All of these factors can lead to a healthier and longer life for your Hillstream Loach fish. By changing the water weekly, you are ensuring that the water stays clean and free of harmful toxins. Hillstream loaches are some of the most beautiful and unique aquarium fish available. I bought some real wood, rosewood on the weekend, but its still leeching a lot of tannins. Besides, the water condition and flow of water are good. Native to Vietnam and Laos, Reticulated hillstream loaches are found in fast-flowing, highly oxygenated small streams with submerged plants, as well as in larger rivers where current velocity may exceed 1 m/sec. Hillstream loach - Wikipedia Their flattened fins allow them to scoot across these surfaces and the substrate without having to swim up into the water column, where they would easily be pushed away. However, they are much wider thanks to their unique circular growth on their bodies. In the wild, the substrate is eroded down by fast-moving water. You can also feed them sinking pellets or flakes specifically designed for bottom-dwelling fish like these guys. Hillstream loaches make great additions to any aquarium because of their peaceful nature, low maintenance requirements, and attractive appearance. If you want to keep more than one fish, you should add at least 10 gallons for each additional fish. The appearance of the hillstream loach can tell you everything you need to know about the natural habitats of this fish. They will also become brighter and more vibrant when a bright light is used. They are a species that is best left to the experts. The hillstream loach is a relatively small fish that stays on the bottom of the aquarium. Tank Mates. 10 Different Types of Loaches - smartaquariumguide.com There are four main hillstream loach aquarium setups you can consider: Hillstream loaches originate from cool waters, which allow them to live in the lower temperatures preferred by goldfish. Find our more about TAG. Hillstream loaches are egg scatters and the male and female will swim in the water column releasing egg and sperm simultaneously. Even though they dont generally breed in captivity environments, but they would reproduce in trenches under the rocks, replicating riverine environments. Temperature: the hillstream loach inhabits in humid, subtropical area where the air temperature is seldom lower than 15,5 C and it can be significantly higher in summer. This allows them to live and feed in areas with strong currents that other fish cannot survive in. In a group, the largest and most aggressive males are at the top of the hierarchy, while the smallest and weakest fish are at the bottom. The dorsal fin is the longest and starts about two-thirds of the way back on the fish. . We seek to promote and sell equipment that works and understand that sometimes these will be products we do not carry so we are happy to part folks in the right direction :). Hillstream Loach ( Sewellia lineolate) Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons This loach lives in fast-moving streams of China, Southeast Asia, and India. This is a very common freshwater disease that can affect Butterfly hillstream loaches (and really any other fish species). The glass wall of an aquarium is no feat and they can easily travel their way up the side and out. Presence of barbels around the mouth, 3-6 pairs, Having very few to no scales. Whats more? Shaped much like a stingray, this fish frequents the waters of China. Male hillstream loaches also develop fences, or small raised bumps, along their pectoral fin and head area. Branscombe Richmond 10 Facts About His Life & Career, Bobrisky Reveals Why Hes Yet to Be Married, Bottle Brush Trees 16 Interesting Facts, The Power of the Dark Side of Blood Elves, Pillar Men: Uncovering the Secrets of the Super Aja, David Bordallo is a senior editor with BlogDigger.com, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. It should not be lost on an aquarist that the hillstream loach fish cannot survive in an ordinary standard tank. These fish share many of the same requirements as the loaches, including a preference for well-oxygenated waters and a diet of small live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, etc. Another reason why hillstream loaches are seen as difficult is that many hobbyists believe they only do well in fish tank setups that match the exact parameters as seen in their natural habitat ecosystems. Hillstream loaches may be aggressive to fish with similar habits because that usually means that they compete with them for resources, as I have seen them do to three lined corys. Mark is the founder of Aquarium Store Depot. Their favorite is aufwuch, Pellet food, shrimp pellets, algae wafers, flake, frozen food including brine shrimp and, Vegetables like kales leaves, cucumber, blanched spinach and courgette are another specialty that have been tried and were successful, To be extremely successful with feeding the loaches, having two or more tanks could be a good idea. Sand and fine gravels are good choices of substrate for these beautiful bottom-dwelling fish. These fish come from very fast-moving waterways that are filled with oxygen! No, Hillstream loaches are not natural schooling fish. They are known for their unique look, whch includes a slim body shape, large eyes, and bright colors. The male begins the process of digging a spawning pit by rapidly flicking its tail. The tank should not be smaller than 3 feet, The best temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, Sand and fine gravel are the best options as the smooth body can be harmed by rough sand. (Its not actually behind the filter for once, but very close maybe its gaining confidence. Many fish dealers are still not aware of these requirements and I urge you please to read my other articles on these fish. The family includes about 202 species. How long did you have it? However, keeping more than that can create scuffles between them over their territory. 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 . This means that they can withstand relatively high lighting intensities in the aquarium, though shade from driftwood and smooth rocks should be provided throughout the tank in case they want to hide. Some hobbyists keep a single hillstream loach in a 10 gallon fish tank, but these fish do best when kept in groups. They dont require a lot of maintenance as well as attention as long as you have the right tank. As discussed above, hillstream loaches are freshwater fish, and as they have peaceful nature, they prefer to live in a community. Hillstream loaches are a popular choice for aquariums because they are peaceful and can be a good cleaning crew. Despite coming from fast-moving waters, these fish are known for their ability to adapt to a wide range of water conditions. When it comes to tank setup for hillstream loaches, the key is to mimic the fish's natural habitat as closely as possible. Hillstream loaches are locals to almost every southeast nation, and are vividly found in Vietnam. In the aquarium, they will do best in a setup that replicates their natural habitat as closely as possible. This means a tank with plenty of flow and hiding places amongst the rocks. The first step to breeding Hillstream Loach is to identify if you have a pair in your tank or not. However, they do have a preference for live food, so including this in their diet is a good idea. Missing Hillstream Loach. How good at hiding are they? I haven - Reddit Female specimens often have a wider head and plumper body compared to males. The hillstream loach fishes are referred to as Cypriniformes and Cobitoidea, with the superfamily further split into eight subgroups. Some compatible Butterfly hillstream loach tank mates include: Butterfly hillstream loaches are not easy to breed in captivity. When ready, the couple will pair up freely in the water column. Plants are a little trickier. Hillstream loaches also require cool and very well oxygenated water with plenty of current, so having a large tank ensures that you can provide these conditions for your fish. They are relatively shy, so they may not be the best fish for an aquarium with a lot of activity. 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. As soon as it is ready, transfer the fish to this while preparing the other the same way, Patchiness in their color is a sign that they are unhealthy and need swift attention, When they refuse to feed, this too could be a sign of brewing trouble, When they become limp, check on the oxygen in the tank. Time to dive in! Despite their small size, Hillstream Loaches require extra care compared to other freshwater fish due to their special needs regardng water quality and flow. After carefully acquainting ones self with the hillstream loach care guide, taking care of this fish in the home tank will not present a challenge. Hillstream loach fish typically have a lifespan of between 5 and 10 years. Many fancy goldfish cannot swim against an overly strong current, and large goldfish can create a lot of waste that creates instability in water chemistry. Their bodies then taper down to their caudal peduncle rather abruptly. When Hillstream loach fish are ready to breed, the males and females will engage in a mating dance. They also love to eat different live foods. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Java Fern is one of the easiest and hardiest live plants you can purchase. These fish are actually quite hardy and dont fall ill often. The price of a hillstream loach may vary depending on the supplier, but typically ranges from $15 to $30. Among all types of hillstream loaches, butterfly hillstream loaches look beautiful with stunning patterns. [1] [2] Hillstream Loaches have evolved to live in extremely fast-flowing waters, where they use their pectoral and pelvic fins to form a "suction cup" in order to hang on to smooth rocks amongst rapids. The Borneo hillstream loach is an omnivore, meaning that it will eat both plants and animals. The yarn will need to be long enough to reach the bottom of the tank. Butterfly hillstream loaches are a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. Ornamental Fish Dealers. Its like he has some magical filter gap sense, maybe I should try shove crushed flakes down there? This loach species isnt the most difficult to keep, but water quality needs to be maintained. They can also be seen grazing on algae and scavenging for other small invertebrates in their environment. They are known for their unique, flattened bodies and ability to cling to rocks and other surfaces using suction cups on their underside. This is thought to be a form of camouflage that helps them avoid predators. Hillstream Loach Care Guide: Tank Mates, Size, Breeding Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. However, if you compare, you will find that the male has a vibrant coloring. The first one is white spot disease, which is also known as ich. The female comes to lay eggs in this pit. I know some pleco tabs can be stuck to the glass. Hillstream Loach: What To Know Before Buying This Loach One thing to consider is that hillstream loaches are agile fish that have the ability to travel upstream and over waterfalls. Yes, hillstream loaches need a fast-flowing water environment in order to thrive. Contact|Policy & Privacy|Resource|Advertisement, TheAquariumGuide 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. At the same time, you are providing a better living environment for your fish. These fish prefer habitats with rocky substrates and plenty of hiding places. While living together, they dont prefer to begin any trouble with other fishes. Females and males for tank fish have a very minimal appearance. The eggs will then sink to the bottom of the tank and stay there until they hatch. Hillstream loaches are one of the few species of bottom feeders that stays active throughout the day. Set one tank with conditions necessary for algae growth. The biggest difference between these two fish is that hillstream loaches originate from Southeast Asia, while plecos are found throughout South America. They can provide a place for fish to hide or take a rest from the fast-flowing waters above. The most obvious symptom of this disease is the presence of white spots on the body, fins, and gills of your fish. But you might not see any signs for weeks before you see white spots on your fish. 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It is also important to provide plenty of hiding and resting places for these fish, which can be provided by driftwood and sturdy plants. To pick a filter for these fish, you need to consider the size of your tank, the number of fish you have, and the level of filtration you need. However, they are totally different even though they share a few similarities. They are also a peaceful fish, which makes them a good tank mate for a variety of other species. They should be kept in a mature tank with 0 ppm ammonia, 0 ppm nitrite, and minimal nitrates. If you want to include plants then we recommend something thats very sturdy (like Java Fern). Hillstream loaches are best in school of three or four. After reading the hillstream loach care guide, those dilemmas at the back of the mind ought to be relieved. Hillstream loaches live in fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers, so they have adapted to have streamlined bodies that allow them to move quickly and efficiently against the current. The Aquarium Guide (TAG) was started to provide high-quality aquarium and aquascaping information, articles, and techniques in an easy to use and understand format. Additionally, if the water quality in their habitat is poor, it could shorten their lifespan. Hillstream loaches aren't the sharpest tools in the shed when it comes to feeding, even by fish standards, so they don't react to feeding time as fast as other fish. This type of light will provide the fish and plants with the right amount of light to help them grow and thrive. Hillstream Loach Care Guide & Species Profile - Fishkeeping World At the same time, they provide a place for the fish to hide and feel safe, which can reduce stress levels. Overall, we think theyre a great fish and we highly recommend them! Thus, at least 60-gallon tanks can keep up to 4 Angelfish and 3 or 4 Hillstream loaches. Hillstream loach fish are known for their unique patterns and fins, which make them a popular choice for aquariums. Hillstream Loach - Species Profile & Setup Does Hillstream Loach Eat Shrimp? A Compatibility Test They are hardy and beautiful fish that are praised for their ability to live in cold water aquariums. The substrate in a Hillstream loach aquarium provides numerous benefits. In general, a small group of about 3 hillstream loaches requires a minimum of 20 gallons. Males also develop a rugged structure on their pectoral fins. These small fish are known to be highly social and enjoy living in groups with other loaches. They have a rather small head in comparison to the rest of their body. They have a strong sense of smell and sight, which they use to find food in the water. A good filtration system will help to keep your fish healthy and happy. As a matter of fact, fast flowing water will easily push the fish at high speeds and a small tank will inconvenience its movement. Tundra Biome A Journey Into the Cold and Barren Wilderness, Finding Life and Meaning in Tuesdays with Morrie, Powerful and Loving: The Benefits of Black and Brown Dogs, Exploring the World of Black and Brown Dog Breeds, Believe in the Process: How to Reach Your Goals Through Trust. How to you make sure yours eats the peas/pellets you feed him and not any other greedy fish in the tank? Hillstream loaches are a family of bottom-dwelling fish from the fast-flowing streams of Asia. Hillstream loaches are an interesting and unique freshwater fish species, native to rivers and streams of Southeast Asia. Dry flakes, pellets, and algae wafers are not always a complete source of food so its best to add some frozen protein foods to their diet as well. Though beautiful fish, a group of hillstream loaches wont fill a tank on their own. The only key fact is that these fish prefer to live in colder waters so their tank mates should be able to live in such an environment. This can be done by performing regular water changes and using a stronger filter. However, the standard water parameters are pretty much the same as most other freshwater fish species. This can include beard algae, hair algae, diatom algae. At first glance, one might confuse the loach with the cat fish. When choosing an aquarium light, make sure to buy one that is specifically designed for aquariums. Just make sure that the caves arent too small or the fish might get stuck. In the wild, they prefer to live in small, solitary groups or pairs. You may be wondering how to keep a coldwater species in warm water temperatures, but these fish are surprisingly adaptable. Hillstream loaches have unique reticulated black and yellowish-green spots and stripes that help them blend in against sandy and rocky surfaces. Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis) Fish Profile & Care Guide Females are usually docile and will not show territorial behaviors. Others recommend a more sparsely decorated tank with a sandy substrate and plenty of open swimming space. As well see though, these small fish like to be kept in groups which can start to increase bioload. From this family, many members of the Sewellia genus are available for trade in the aquarium hobby. These fish are accustomed to the water conditions of East Asia and are known for their unique social behaviors. They were discovered in Guizhou province, and then they expanded through Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about butterfly loach care. As their name suggests, these fish come from fast-moving streams in Asia where they cling to rocks and eat algae. Tank conditions should at least meet certain percentage of its original home to make its life comfortable or at least bearable. The Borneo hillstream loach can grow to be about 4 inches (10 cm) long. Thats why it is advisable to keep around three to four hillstream loaches in a 40 to 50-gallon capacity aquarium. Pros Clean up algae Hillstream loaches can also be kept in the same tank as popular tropical fish, like tetras, gouramis, and other bottom-dwellers as long as they are with other peaceful species. Matching aquarium water to their natural habitat benefits these fish by providing them with similar water conditions that they are used to in the wild. But sometimes, the male hillstream loaches part with others if they dont get enough coverage in the tank. This species is unbothered by other species. In the wild, they can be found in countries such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. A hillstream loach tank can look like a lot of different things. Its strongly believed that sudden warm to cold water temperature changes encourage spawning, which can be replicated with a succession of water changes. So we recommend using a canister filter as they provide all the mentioned factors. 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. The common names for this popular aquarium species are Chinese hillstream loach, Hong Kong pleco, butterfly hillstream loach, and Chinese sucker fish. If the water is murky, the fish will be darker. Males have square heads that stick out from the rest of the body. Always compare the recommended temperature ranges first just to be safe! They are active and playful and enjoy hiding among the rocks and plants in their tank. Have you seen a Hillstream Loach and wondered why they look the way they look and if you could own them? If you get just one, it may be lonely, but if you get two there is a chance that the stronger one could bully the weaker one over food or territory. They will be able to give you the proper medication to treat the infection. Due to their high oxygen requirements, the tank should have a strong water-flow, adequate aeration, and plenty of hiding places. What Size Tank Do Hillstream Loaches Need? Live plants can help to create a more balanced and healthy environment for the fish. Hillstream loaches are also known for their ability to change their coloration to match their surroundings. Those with highly flattened undersides are believed to have previously inhabited streams with faster running water as opposed to those with less flattened undersides, Have slightly large fins used to wing themselves into rock crevices, Have got modified pelvic and pectoral fins leading to a powerful suction-like cup which allows them to cling onto rocks, crawl and even eat on surfaces that are prone to high speed waters, Additional power-heads for adequate flow of water. Reticulated Hillstream Loach - Care Guide - Aquatic Arts This can lead to stress. This should keep the other fish in the aquarium distracted while your hillstream loaches eat. Placing them in the tank singly may not auger well with them as they are a territorial lot Provide them with sturdy plants and driftwood to give them sufficient hiding places Changing water weekly is ideal as they love swimming in clean water Hillstream Loach Tank Mates Besides, they can also eat pellets, fish flakes, algae wafers, and more in some cases. The filter will create surface movement while the wave pump pushes the rest of the water column. Its best to leave them to the experts. And they like water with a sufficient level of oxygen and current. At the same time, An aquarium looks more beautiful to humans when good light is used. Hillstream loaches are small, freshwater fish that are native to Southeast Asia. Looks like a boy. This helps the fish to be more comfortable and less stressed in their new environment, which can lead to a healthier and longer life. Can Hillstream Loaches Eat Snails? They can even be safely kept with dwarf shrimp! Different studies say hillstream loaches love to live in cooler water, around 60 to 75-degree F. You should not keep them in temperature more than 75-degree F. Besides, such fishes need a tank with a water capacity of more than 10 gallons. Professional fish keepers say hillstream loaches are grazers as well as omnivores. So its easy to find some compatible tank mates for them. Some people keep them with coldwater goldfish, while others keep them with typical tropical fish species. Hillstream loaches are very peaceful fish that get along well with other tank mates. (Everything You Need To Know), A Complete Care Guide for German Blue RamsFeeding, Housing, Breeding, and More, Freshwater Crabs - 15 Great Selections (With Pictures), Freshwater Angelfish - A Complete Care Guide, Tropical Fish Species - 30 Popular Types (With Pictures! Scouts honor . How Many Hillstream Loaches Should Be Kept Together? There are a few different types of filters that can be used in a Hillstream Loach tank, but the most important thing is to make sure that the filter is powerful enough to keep the water clean and free of toxins. Otherwise, the tank can be decorated with any aquarium-safe decoration of your choosing. These fish are sensitive to water quality and need a well-filtered tank to stay healthy. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. One of the difficult aspects of keeping hillstream loaches is ensuring they get enough to eat as other fish may eat their food before them. Their favorites are algae that grow on the rock. Compatible Tank Mates Care Guide of the Daring and Unusually Black Spotted Hillstream Loach It can be near impossible to tell male hillstream loaches apart from females, especially if trying to differentiate between juveniles. The hillstream loaches or river loaches are a family, the Balitoridae, [3] of small fish from South, Southeast and East Asia. No, corydoras and hillstream loaches cannot live together because they have different habitat requirements. The Art Of Catching Hillstreams - Suggestions for Fish - Loaches Hillstream Loach: Ultimate Guide (Care, Diet, Breeding & More) The Borneo hillstream loach has a long, slender body with a dark brown or black coloration. Variation in the flow is important for their overall health and wellbeing. Visit The Aquarium Guide (TAG)'s profile on Pinterest. Though they greatly enjoy benthic algae, hillstream loaches are omnivores that need both meat- and plant-based foods. The anal and pectoral fins are both shorter than the dorsal and caudal fins. These setups can be complex or straightforward in design, but plenty of space and the surface area should be allotted to your loach. Avoid keeping aggressive species such as cichlids or bettas with these little guys as they may be bullied or injured by their larger tankmates. Manage Settings Keep in mind that planted tanks will process nutrients better than those without any plants. So you have to provide lots of hiding places in the aquarium. There are a few reasons why hillstream loaches are considered more difficult to keep than your average tropical fish, but there are a few myths behind their care too. Besides. In general, hillstream loaches care a stress-free and simple process. If you want to keep more than one then you need to increase the size of the tank accordingly. Depending on the type of freshwater tank you plan on keeping your hillstream loach in, water temperature should remain stable between 64-80 F. Filtration and aeration are some of the most important factors of this hillstream loach care guide. For example, Oscars, African cichlids, barbs, and more. This species will not bother any fish that looks physically diverse to them. However, there is one thing that you should keep in mind. This is in contrast to most loaches and catfish that wait until the cover of night to emerge. Besides, they can live well with other loaches from Megachilidae, balitoridae, and gastromyzontidae families. These fish also help keep the tank clean by eating algae and other debris. Besides, they need a big aquarium with sufficient oxygen levels, better water flow, and more. Reticulated Hillstream Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates The small size makes it easy for the fish to hide in crevices and rocks. This makes them easy to keep, given that they don't require as much food as other fish. Or you landed on here because you had no idea what they are? Sharing its home with other fishes which need relatively calm tank conditions may not therefore work. They also need an aquarium with plenty of hiding places. Make sure to use a filter guard to prevent this from happening while also giving your fish more room to graze! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. They can also be very skittish, quickly darting away if disturbed. Loaches may eat other fish species, so a breeding box for safe spawning is advisable. The water should be well-oxygenated and have a moderate flow. Of course, it takes plenty of patience to do this. All hillstream loaches thrive best in schools of three fish or more. In terms of feeding, hillstream loaches will eat small frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. Besides, offer them a natural-like setup. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development.