It is native to fast mountain streams and large rivers, over soft substrates and often near submerged boulders and fallen trees, in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra.

This species can be easily mistaken for S. helodes, with the difference being the direction of stripes in front of the dorsal fin.

The stripes start at the dorsal base and go down, finishing inclined towards the head of S. hymenophysa, but the opposite for S. helodes.

Green tiger loaches are native to rivers and streams in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.

In an aquarium, only one S. hymenophysa should be kept per tank, and fed live or frozen foods, unless room is ample for five or more specimens.