Hillstream Loach: A Quick Overview on this Algae Eater
The Hillstream Loach is a small, non-aggressive fish native to clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers in Southeast Asia. This freshwater fish prefers well-oxygenated water with some current and rocky surfaces or other structures for hiding places and grazing on algae.
Hillstream loaches are excellent tank mates for many other species of tropical fish and make an attractive addition to any aquarium that suits them. Below, let’s have a look at how to care for this
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Hillstream Loach Natural Habitat
“Hillstream loach” is a collective name for various fish species (around 200 in total) in the family Balitoridae. The genus Sewellia is most popular in the aquarium trade, particularly Sewellia lineolata (the reticulated hillstream loach).
These odd-looking fish are found in streams and rivers with a fast current and plenty of rocks and other structures for shelter. An example would be the Xi Jiang River System in Southern China.
Hillstream Loach Appearance
Hillstream Loaches have elongated bodies, with a slim body shape, small eyes and long fins. They’re perfectly adapted to life in extremely fast-flowing streams and rivers thanks to their flat and hydrodynamic shapes and fins that allow them to grip onto rocks or other surfaces.
These fish can reach up to 2-2.5 inches in length and come in various colors and patterns. The most common are black, white, yellowish-brown or olive with spotted markings along their dorsal fin.
Tank Requirements for Hillstream Loach
Hillstream Loaches prefer a tank setup with a good circulation of oxygen-rich water. A river biotope tank would be ideal! The pH should be between 6.5-7.8, with temperatures from 68 to 74 °F (20 to 24 °C).
The tank should be spacious enough for the Hillstream Loach to move around comfortably, ideally at least 20 gallons (76 liters), and heavily planted with smooth rocks, fine gravel, driftwood, and caves for the fish to hide in. A smaller aquarium is also an option, but you should take care not to overcrowd it.
It’s best to use sand or very fine gravel substrate in the tank with loaches, as is true with pretty much all types of bottom-dwellers. Other types of substrate could have sharp edges, which may be abrasive to the fish as they swim along the bottom of the tank.
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It’s important to keep the water quality high in your freshwater aquarium, as Hillstream Loaches are a sensitive fish species that can quickly become stressed when exposed to sudden changes such as temperature spikes or poor water quality.
Ensure the aquarium is fully cycled before introducing your loaches, regularly check the water parameters and use a quality aquarium filter system with a high hourly turnover. Perform weekly water changes with temperature-matched water to keep the water quality in tip-top condition.
Current & Water Flow Requirements
Hillstream Loach require a fish tank with a decent current – this helps them to feed, as well as providing oxygenated water.
The water flow should be at least moderate in strength, as well as consistent. A good way to get the right amount of flow in your tank is to use a powerhead or small filter outlet in your fish tank.
Water Parameters
Hillstream Loaches are quite tolerant of different water parameters, though they thrive best in slightly acidic, hard water. The ideal pH range for a Hillstream Loach is 6.5-7.5, and the hardness should be between 10-20 GH (General Hardness). Temperature wise they prefer cooler temperatures around 68 to 74 °F (20 to 24 °C). They will also do well at room temp 65 and above in home basements.
As mentioned, regular aquarium maintenance is key in keeping parameters ideal and stable! Stable parameters are far more important then exact parameters.
Hillstream Loach Behavior
In the wild, the Hillstream loach is often found swimming in small shoals. They’re known to be one of the more active loach species, spending most of their time grazing on the biofilm found on rocks and other surfaces.
Although these loaches are known for being a peaceful addition to the aquarium, it’s important to keep in mind that males do form their own territories. You might see squabbles erupting on a regular basis, but rest assured: they don’t actually appear to hurt each other.
Hillstream Loach Tank Mates
Hillstream Loaches are rather shy and docile creatures, so its important to choose their tank mates accordingly. They should not be kept with boisterous or aggressive fish as they can be easily intimidated and harassed. Also, avoid keeping them with large predatory fish that could possibly swallow a Hillstream Loach whole!
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Keep in mind that these fish form groups in the wild. Your best bet is to get at least 3-4 to prevent stress.
And in case you were wondering, yes, you can keep dwarf shrimp with your Hillstream Loaches. Dwarf shrimp make an ideal tank mate for Hillstream Loaches, as they are peaceful and non-aggressive. Compared to other fish in the tank, they are small enough that they won’t intimidate or harm the loaches. Amano Shrimp, Red Cherry Shrimp, or Blue Dream Shrimp would all work well.
Food & Diet
Hillstream Loaches are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods. They should be fed a diet that consists mainly of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, tubifex worms, glass worms, daphnia, white Mosquito larvae, other insect larvae and Brine Shrimp.
Additionally, the hillstream loach may accept some high quality dry foods like sinking pellets, fish flakes, algae wafers. Feed once daily and make sure not to overfeed as this can lead to health issues. They will feed on algae growth in the aquarium substrate/glass.
Breeding Hillstream Loaches
Male hillstream loaches grow to be larger than the females and will usually display a more colorful appearance. If you breed hillstream loaches, spawning typically occurs in groups over flat rocks or gravel patches, where the female deposits her eggs. The male will follow behind and fertilize them.
Once the spawning is complete, remove adult hillstream loaches into a separate tank, as they may consume the eggs or fry if they get the chance. The eggs should hatch within 2-4 days and the fry will be free swimming roughly 1 week later. At this point, they should be fed microworms or newly hatched brine shrimp.
Different types of Hill Stream Loaches
The most popular types of hillstream loach available in the aquarium trade is the reticulated hillstream loach (Sewellia lineolata). The genera Gastromyzon and Beaufortia are also regularly seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Crawford, C. H., Randall, Z. S., Hart, P. B., Page, L. M., Chakrabarty, P., Suvarnaraksha, A., & Flammang, B. E. (2020). Skeletal and muscular pelvic morphology of hillstream loaches (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae). Journal of Morphology, 281(10), 1280-1295.
De Meyer, J., & Geerinckx, T. (2014). Using the whole body as a sucker: Combining respiration and feeding with an attached lifestyle in hill stream loaches (Balitoridae, Cypriniformes). Journal of morphology, 275(9), 1066-1079.
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