Hillstream loaches have unique appearances that make them stand out in any tank setup. The males will try to attract the females by doing a little mating dance. Hillstream Loach: Complete Guide to Care, Breeding, Tank Size and Their diet consists primarily of other fish, so they make great pets for experienced aquarists who want something different than standard goldfish or tetras. It can be kind of funny to observe at times. Its quite common to see all of your hillstream loaches attached to the glass of your tank without a care in the world. Everything Fishkeepings articles and videos are intended to be used for a general nature only. Initially, they were the only species in the genus Sewellia, but there have been numerous additions since then including S.marmorata. The male wiggles about a bit to excavate a little hollow in the gravel. Required fields are marked *. This will prevent them from getting cut or scratched when navigating your tank. In summary, keeping these fish in a tank without a current is simply not an option. In the wild, they consume small aquatic crustaceans that live at the river bottom, algae, and small organisms living on underwater surfaces. Fang in 1931. Availability: Out of stock. With the right diet and water quality, hillstream loaches live in captivity for ten years or more. Look for a tank with dimensions of at least 52 inches in length, 24 inches in width, and 16 inches in height. Only registered users can write reviews. These fins help them swim through fast-moving water without getting stuck on rocks or other obstacles. These make great surfaces for them to rest on and also tend to accumulate some algae over time that they can snack on. The Hillstream Loach will need at least a 50 gallon aquarium. This is when you choose one of these creatures as part of your aquarium decoration! In addition to Sewellia lineolata, there are two other very popular Hillstream Loaches: Sewellia lineolata was discovered roughly 180 years ago by Pierre-Medard Diard in Vietnam. In case youve been skimming, adequate water flow is incredibly important for these fish. Were huge fans of this fish because of their unique appearance and easygoing temperament. Hillstream Loach are members of the family Balitoridae. The unique physical features of the Reticulated Hillstream Loach reflect life adapted to fast-flowing streams. Balitorids spawn in a depression in the substrate alongside a pebble or rock. Hillstream loaches grow to lengths of approximately 2-3 inches. The ideal tank size for your hillstream loach is one that is at least 30 gallons. Temperature range: 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are useful in maintaining algae levels whilst also getting along with many tropical free-swimming fish. Make sure to use a tight-fitting aquarium hood or top because hillstream loaches can easily climb out of your aquarium. A planted tank is recommended as they reduce the nitrate content, increase oxygenation and again, provide surface area for biofilms to grow upon. If youre looking for a unique critter to add to your tank, this is a good choice! They just want to do their own thing! The Hillstream Loaches are a group of river loaches from the family Balitoridae. These loaches are commonly found in tropical freshwaters and are often referred to as bluestripe or spotted loaches due to their orange stripe along their bodies. Chinese Algae Eater 101: Types, Size, Behavior & More, Neon Tetra Care Guide: Colors, Price and More, Top 15+ Freshwater Aquarium Sharks For All Tanks, Top 20 Algae Eaters: Snails, Shrimp & Fish That Clean Tanks, Types of Molly Fish: Rare Colors and More, Reticulated Hillstream Loach, Tiger Hillstream Loach. Smooth caves, old pieces of driftwood, and clay ornaments are good hiding places for hillstream loaches to hide. Hillstream loaches look very different from each other. They are sometimes sold as "lizardfish" or (in Germany) "flossensaugers". DIVER'S DEN WYSIWYG Store - 100's of NEW Aquatic Life Added Daily! You should only buy a hillstream loach if youre committed to looking after this fish by maintaining the right tank setup. Change the water once a week to maintain the right environment for your hillstream loach. Hillstream loaches are small, with flat undersides and horizontal fins that give the fish the appearance of a miniature stingray. While factors like water temperature and pH levels are things most aquarists are comfortable with, the current requirements can be a departure from many of the common freshwater fishes out there. The head has a blunt and rounded shape with no barbels or teeth visible on the underside of their mouths. They reach the subadult status, where they are around 2-2.5 inches long, at around 7 months after hatching. Their penchant for strong fast-moving water is the main reason why they have such a unique look! However, hillstream loaches become lonely when theyre housed alone, and a tank with enough space for six or more loaches is ideal.The tank shouldnt house aggressive fish species that are larger than hillstream loaches. Other objects like driftwood and various decorations can make nice compliments to the tank too. Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Hillstream loaches can survive for short periods in temperatures exceeding 75F, as long as the water is properly aerated. Catfish (order Siluriformes) are a diverse group of fish. Hillstream Loach. Current Size - approximately 3-4cm (Grows to approximately 6cm) Sex - Un-sexed. pH: 7.0-7.8. If not, remove the adults. In this article we cover everything you need to know, from tank mates, to popular varieties, and much more. They have a nice tapered shape (kind of like a torpedo) that allows them to cut through and withstand water that moves quickly. Author Note: Make sure you dont give them flakes or pellets that are too large. Although they come from tropical waters they need high o2 so are best kept in cooler tanks. Will eat prepared food, but also need a good algae growth for the little goodies (aufwuchs) that grow on it. Your Hillstream Loach will also appreciate the extra hiding spots. However, it is impossible to set up an appropriate intensity of water flow in a tank smaller than this. After raising the temperature slightly, perform a cool 25% water change. The best way to treat Ich is by using over-the-counter medication which is often sold at fish stores, in addition to frequent water changes and siphoning of the substrate. The temperature, pH range, and water hardness should mimic their habitat as closely as possible.You should only buy a hillstream loach if youre committed to looking after this fish by maintaining the right tank setup.Because hillstream loaches lack scales, these fish are intolerant to even the smallest water changes. These fish are not finicky, and if you meet their basic needs theyll be about as low-maintenance as it gets! Add a pinch of food to the tank per day and decrease this amount the following day if theres leftover food. This doesnt mean youll have trouble seeing this fish in your tank though. They also occasionally eat insect larvae. It is important to retain all other water parameters and decorations exactly the same as their regular tank. We prefer to stick with a combination of plants and smooth rocks but dont hesitate to do a little decorating! Theyre also a little too small to be much of a nuisance. You should view this as more of a cherry on top than something reliable. While Reticulated Hillstream Loach can tolerate colder water temperatures down into the low 60s F, they can do well in aquariums with water temperatures all they way up to the mid 70s F. The warmer the aquarium water the more important that the hobbyist maintain high levels of dissolved oxygen and significant water flow. Make sure you perform regular water tests with a test kit to ensure that these levels are holding true. Males and females are the same size but females have a rounder body than males when viewed from above. Algae and other food items . Although most are from the family Balitoridae, this loach is of the order Cypriniform and the superfamily Cobitoidea, which is split into a further 8 groups, Sewellia lineolata is from the Gastromyzontidae family. The eggs incubate for a couple of weeks. When you look at the underside of this fish youll notice that they have a sucker mouth and a flattened belly. Hillstream loaches originate from cool waters, which allow them to live in the lower temperatures preferred by goldfish. He is also a proud member of the, Fishkeeping Worlds 4-in-1 Bundle Set eBook. After more than a decade of owning, selling, and breeding them, this article shares our personal experiences on how to successfully keep this amazing species. Hillstream loaches are classed as vulnerable in the wild because the fishs habitat is being destroyed by human destruction. Male hillstream loaches can be territorial and occasionally engage in belly-to-belly fights. Hillstream loaches are easy to care for as long as these fish live in the right water parameters. However, it is possible under the right conditions and with a separate breeding tank. Your email address will not be published. . If you see them making a nest then there is a chance the female will release her eggs into the nest and if this occurs, the male will fertilize the eggs with milt. Once fry have hatched it takes around 1 year for them to become fully grown. Hillstream loaches are also prone to common freshwater diseases.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_14',116,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-2-multi-116{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}IchIch, otherwise known as ick or white spot disease, is characterized by a scattering of tiny white spots across the fishs body and fins.To treat ich, quarantine the affected fish in a separate tank and raise the temperature of the tank by two degrees to speed up the lifecycle of the parasite.Skinny DiseaseSkinny disease is a common bacterial disease that causes a fish to rapidly lose weight, even if the fish appears to be eating normally. Suckers - Hillstream Loach - Borneo Sucker (No Online Purchases) A group of 4 will need at least 80 gallons. They are brown with beautiful dark brown and white mosaic-like markings on their bodies.Because hillstream loaches are easy to care for, fascinating to look at, and compatible with most other fish, these fish are ideal additions to a tropical freshwater aquarium..toc_container ol li a{}.toc_container ol li{font-size:16px;margin:0;padding:0;line-height:32px}.toc_container ol{}.toc_container{margin-bottom:1.75em;padding:.75em;background-color:#f8f9fc}.toc_container h4{margin:15px}.oftoc2col ol{-webkit-column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;column-count:2;-moz-column-fill:balance;column-fill:balance}.toc_container ol li a{color:#008bac}.toc_container ol li a:hover{text-decoration:none}.toc_container ol li{font-size:16px;margin:0;padding:0;line-height:30px}.toc_container{margin-top:1.25em;margin-bottom:2em;padding:1em;border:2px solid #f1f7f8;background-color:#fff;margin-left:0;margin-right:1%}.toc_container h4{margin-bottom:12px}TABLE OF CONTENTSHillstream Loach Facts & OverviewAppearance & BehaviorHillstream Loach CareHabitat and Tank RequirementsTank MatesDiet and FeedingBreedingShould You Get a Hillstream Loach for Your Aquarium?Hillstream Loach Facts & OverviewAdvertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3-0');Scientific name:Sewellia lineolataCommon namesHillstream loach, lizardfish, flossensaugersDistribution:Vietnam, LaosSize:Up to 2.5 inchesLife expectancy:810 yearsColor:Light brown with white and dark brown markingsDiet:OmnivoreTemperament:Calm, docileMinimum tank size:55 gallonsTemperature:6874F (2023C)pH:6.57.5 pHHardness:10-12 dGHCare level:EasyBreeding:Egg-scattererOriginThe hillstream loach (Sewellia lineolata) originates from Vietnam and is found in fast-flowing rivers and streams in Quang Nam, Laos, Binh Dinh, Thua Thien-Hue, and Quang Ngai.This fish is common in the wild and can be seen swimming in strong currents, gliding over smooth rocks, and climbing vertical surfaces.Otocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide Please enable JavaScriptOtocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide & Species ProfileThe hillstream loachs unique appearance and speedy swimming make this fish fun to watch.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_9',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_10',109,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-109{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}Adult Size & LifespanAdult hillstream loaches reach 2.5 inches in length. However, even if you are interested in keeping a different variety keep reading. They are found in the wild in limestone caves and can be identified by their small size (they're only about 3 inches long), black skin coloration, large eyes, and an orange stripe on their bodies. They do not do well in tanks with lots of other loaches as this will lead to spats over territory and food. They are brown with beautiful dark brown and white mosaic-like markings on their bodies. The gentle nature of this fish means they really wont want to get in the way of others. This authoritative reference eBook will not only help you learn how to create a healthy aquatic ecosystem without accidentally killing any of your fish, but itll also give you the momentum you need to build out your underwater empire. Everything Fishkeeping 2022 - All Rights Reserved. They have a very busy pattern that covers their entire bodies (including their fins). Well get into the details a bit further on in the guide, but that will have the biggest impact on their lifespan. In the wild the Hillstream Loach lives in very fast-flowing rivers in humid, subtropical Asian rainforests. Your typical hillstream loach won't grow larger than 2.5 inches. Everything else can be a game of trial and error though! You can occasionally give them micro-crustaceans such as Daphnia, Thawed Bloodworms, Insect Larvae or Brine Shrimps. One interesting behavior to watch out for is when they tussle belly to belly with each other. Borneo Suckers (Also known as the Chinese Hillstream Loach) are small, peaceful fish growing to a maximum size of about 6cm. Females have a rounder body with a wider head that looks as though it joins onto the pectoral fins. Their intricate body shape and pattern make them truly one-of-a-kind. However, they cannot survive by eating algae only, so make sure to feed them a wide variety of high-quality foods, such as Repashy gel food, sinking wafers, frozen spirulina brine shrimp, and blanched vegetables. They suck onto smooth rocks, eroded down by the fast river waters, which allows them to climb upstream. However, they do have spines along the back of their heads and necks where these organs would be located in other fish species. Learn more. Sadly these Loaches remained largely unknown until their rediscovery in the 1990s. Once fry have hatched it takes around 1 year for them to become fully grown. 40-watt tubes are ideal for a hillstream loach tank.Hillstream loaches enjoy having plenty of dark spots to hide, so the tanks light shouldnt be too bright.Tank MatesHillstream loaches are compatible with the majority of fish. Look for a tank with dimensions of at least 52 inches in length, 24 inches in width, and 16 inches in height.Temperature, pH Range, and HardnessA water temperature of between 68 to 75F is ideal for hillstream loaches. There is something so captivating about the appearance of these fish. They will not typically do well in a setup that uses CO2. Many of the species are popular for aquaria, species in the genus Sewellia are most commonly sold in the . Most hillstream loaches spend the daylight hours latched onto the side of the tank or searching for something to eat. In tanks with a good source of algae, hillstream loaches require minimal food. A river tank set up which has had time to mature is advisable. Hillstream Loaches - Best Oddball Algae Eater? Always compare the recommended temperature ranges first just to be safe! You will know when the male is courting the female as he will follow and chase her around the tank. Hillstream Loaches have been known to live up to 12 years when cared for properly. Origins. The recommended tank size for a hillstream loach is around 50 gallons. Borneo Sucker Spotted (Gastromyzon punctulatus) 3-4cm Move the fry to your main aquarium when the fry are large enough to be left alone by big fish. Hillstream loaches are also prone to common freshwater diseases. You can also feed them: You should avoid sinking pellets or flakes as the structure of their mouths will not allow the consumption of these foods. If you are looking to distinguish the sex of your Hillstream Loach then all you need to do is look at the head and roundness of your fish from either above or from the underside. Something else you should consider adding to their tank is a series of smooth rocks. Phylum: Chordata. Hillstream Loach Facts. To increase their survival rate, you can also put them in a breeder box to keep them safe from predators. But they dont just look really neat, theyre also quite easy to keep. While caring for these fish in the home aquarium, you can follow the instructions to maintain the water parameters that are suitable for them. Danios and rasbora species are two very solid choices that we can recommend with confidence. Males and females are the same size but females have a rounder body than males when viewed from above.Hillstream Loaches live for up to eight years in the wild. Borneo suckers should be offered some vegetable matter. The eggs are often deposited out of sight, usually among larger pebbles or rocks. A crowded tank will cause the fish to harass each other over food and space. Resources Freshwater Fish Hillstream LoachHillstream Loach Care Guide & Species ProfileFebruary 16, 2022 RobertThe hillstream loach is part of a family of calm, peaceful loachesnative to fast-moving streams and rivers in Asia.Hillstream loaches are small, with flat undersides and horizontal fins that give the fish the appearance of a miniature stingray. They look like a cross between a goldfish and a cichlid. In addition to this 25% water changes should be made weekly, plus weekly substrate siphoning. Opens in a new window or tab. Including solid colors like black or red with white spots or stripes along their bodies.
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