But the most unique fins are the pectoral and pelvic fins; they are uniquely grown and attached to the body of this fish forming a circular pattern. Butterfly hillstream loaches are a freshwater fish that is native to fast moving streams and rivers in Southeast Asia. There are also a lot of algae, plants, and driftwood available in these waters. (And Should You Use Them), What Are Blood Worms? This way, chances of predators finding a delicacy on the eggs or fry of this fish are limited. Loaches may eat other fish species, so a breeding box for safe spawning is advisable. Color Forms: Light brown with white spots. These fish are one of the most attractive algae-eating species available, but they have some special requirements when it comes to their tank setup and feeding. These are peaceful freshwater fish that have a few specific requirements, though they might be more adaptable than we think. If youre determined to breed them, youll need to set up a specialized breeding tank. This loach species isnt the most difficult to keep, but water quality needs to be maintained. Some features of the hillstream loach fish are: Remember the hillstream loach fish was specifically used to very fast-moving water and the body is adjusted to it. At the same time, you are providing a better living environment for your fish. These loaches get along well with other peaceful fish and make a great addition to any community tank. Thus, at least 60-gallon tanks can keep up to 4 Angelfish and 3 or 4 Hillstream loaches. There are a few additional rules to keeping them safe within your setup, though. Java Fern is one of the easiest and hardiest live plants you can purchase. Hillstream loaches can adapt to a wide range of pH and hardness levels but do best in water that tests between 6.5-7.5 and 10-15 KH, respectively. While there are a number of Loaches that could work with Bettas, such as Dwarf and Panda Loaches, one of the best choices for compatibility is Kuhli Loaches. If left untreated, this disease can be fatal to fish. It is, therefore, safe to leave them in the same aquarium with the adults. Whether this is due to stress, illness, injury, or old age, there will come a time when you are with your fish in its last days. Hillstream loaches will enjoy a variety of live, frozen, and freeze-dried options including brine shrimp, insect larvae, and bloodworms. Fish Lore's aquarium fish forum - aquarium hobbyists helping hobbyists since 2005! Join 8,000+ other Aquascapers and receive helpful aquarium tips and free stuff direct to your inbox. They have a flat stomach and come with brown and yellow-colored lines along with black spots. Hillstream loaches originate from unique ecosystems, but theyve adapted well to hobby tank conditions and will even be willing to breed. Hillstream loaches can be bred under tank conditions. Picking a good mix of rocks, driftwood, plants, and a soft substrate will make your tank look more natural and beautiful. For example, if they are not provided with a well-balanced diet, they may not live as long as those that are. Other than the tank being a bit too small, it doesn't sound too terrible. In the wild environment, they eat very small aquatic crustaceans found at the bottom of the river, a tiny organism living underwater, and algae. Butterfly hillstream loaches (scientific name: Sewellia lineolata) are a type of freshwater fish that is native to various parts of China and Vietnam. Mark is the founder of Aquarium Store Depot. Your typical hillstream loach won't grow larger than 2.5 inches. Ultimately, it's up to you and your budget, as hillstream loaches can cost around $15 each. Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata): Ultimate Care Guide Corydoras prefer warmer water, while hillstream loaches require cooler water. A hillstream loach tank can look like a lot of different things. Hillstream loaches are a popular choice for aquariums because they are peaceful and can be a good cleaning crew. As such, they are accustomed to living in relatively large tanks with plenty of space to swim around. Of course, it takes plenty of patience to do this. Well, if you crush some flakes etc underwater, some of those particles ought to sink - they are too small for fish to take out of the water column. They are also a peaceful fish, which makes them a good tank mate for a variety of other species. Water conditions in the natural habitat of Hillstream loach fish are cool and well-oxygenated with a moderate to fast flow. Besides, they can also eat pellets, fish flakes, algae wafers, and more in some cases. Borneo hillstream loach Care Guide: Diet, Tank Mates, Diseases Hillstream loaches are a peaceful species, typically living in fast-moving streams and rivers. You are using an out of date browser. Some of the best fish to keep with hillstream loaches include Harlequin Rasboras (Trigonostigma heteromorpha), Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi), and Danios (Danio). Its best to leave them to the experts. They are known for their unique look, whch includes a slim body shape, large eyes, and bright colors. They also tend to be peaceful and won't compete for food or territory with your Betta. The temperature should be between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Have you seen a Hillstream Loach and wondered why they look the way they look and if you could own them? They are peaceful, hardy, and relatively easy to care for. If you want to add some other fishes into the tank of hillstream loaches, then you can choose bottom-dwelling, peaceful and small freshwater fish. They are native to China, India, Japan, and Korea. If you have more males you might see a lot of fighting over territory. In an Angelfish and Hillstream loaches tank, water temperature should remain stable around 73-75 degrees Fahrenheit and pH around 7. It has a large head with small eyes, and its mouth is located at the bottom of its head. All three of these fish species are also peaceful community fishes that will not harass or outcompete the loaches for food or territory. If keeping your hillstream loach in high-flow conditions, then youll need sturdy plants that can withstand the current. Hillstream loach fish typically have a lifespan of between 5 and 10 years. Once she has done that, the male will fertilize them. The dorsal fin is the longest and starts about two-thirds of the way back on the fish. This can be accomplished by using a powerful filter and/or adding an airstone to the tank. David is passionate about quality-focused journalism and has worked in the publishing industry for over 10 years. They can also be seen grazing on algae and scavenging for other small invertebrates in their environment. They often prefer to hide among the rocks and plants in their tank and will not bother other fish. They prefer to be kept in groups of three or more and should have a tank size of at least 50 gallons to provide adequate space for swimming. The Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata) is a freshwater fish native to East Asia. Also if there's an opening big enough for a nerite snail, then there is a chance it could have climbed out. In my experience they are very shy for a week or so, but hen not shy at all. In terms of feeding, hillstream loaches will eat small frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. These fishes prefer to live in a community setup. One thing to consider is that hillstream loaches are agile fish that have the ability to travel upstream and over waterfalls. They can be given algae wafers and a variety of blanched vegetables, including lettuce and cucumber, to supplement their vegetative needs. They have a unique feature that acts as a suction cup on their underside which helps them stay attached to rocks and other surfaces. To avoid any stress and to offer them enough space, you should choose a 50-gallon aquarium. You can ask your question in the comment section. Welcome to my aquarium blog, fellow fishkeeper ! Hillstream loaches come from shallow and well-oxygenated, fast-moving rivers and streams throughout Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia1. This aquarium setup should have minimal decorations to meet goldfish requirements, but still have some structures for your loaches to hide and graze. In fact, you will find these fishes spending most of their time scavenging for food, or they can be found latched on the glass of the aquarium or on a rock. The flat body of the hillstream loach and its strong suckermouth are designed to keep these fish attached to hard surfaces when up against a strong water current. Hillstream loaches are an interesting and unique freshwater fish species, native to rivers and streams of Southeast Asia. At first glance, one might confuse the loach with the cat fish. Key Facts: Experience Required: Advanced. They dont require a lot of maintenance as well as attention as long as you have the right tank. Yes, hillstream loaches are typically quite shy. They can also be very skittish, quickly darting away if disturbed. Powerful filtration and powerheads circulate water to create a constant current that agitates the surface water to introduce oxygen. They will be able to give you the proper medication to treat the infection. If you have a smaller tank than the other two might be hiding because the other three always chase them away when they come out, which would make sense why the . To help prevent this, make sure to use a tight-fitting aquarium lid. Could you upload a picture of the tank, to see how the environment looks like. The Hillstream Loach fish looks more beautiful in bright light conditions. Besides, they need a big aquarium with sufficient oxygen levels, better water flow, and more. If youre interested in keeping a Hillstream Loach or already have one, we strongly recommend reading the next few sections to make sure you are providing the best life for your pet fish. This will help keep your fish healthy and happy. The most common symptom is excessive mucus production, which can make it hard for your fish to breathe. They are active and playful and enjoy hiding among the rocks and plants in their tank. This includes oxygen-rich water with high currents and lots of biofilm. Butterfly hillstream loaches are peaceful fish that get along with just about everyone. JavaScript is disabled. By the way any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon and other stores/partners are affiliate links. References:SewelliaMicroanatomy of the Paired-Fin Pads of Ostariophysan Fishes.