Increase the temperature of the tank to 78F and perform a cool water change to provoke breeding. In summary, keeping these fish in a tank without a current is simply not an option. The tank shouldnt house aggressive fish species that are larger than hillstream loaches. Make sure the tank gets enough light to encourage biofilm growth, which hillstream loaches eat. During the daytime, you can often find them climbing on the glass in a side-to-side crawl or fluttering their fins on the ground while searching for food. Hillstream loaches are also prone to common freshwater diseases. Another factor that can impact their lifespan is diet. Copyright 2022 - Fishkeeping World - All Rights Reserved, Robert Woods is the creator of FishKeeping World, a third-generation fish keeper, and a graduate in animal welfare and behavior. Current Size - approximately 3-4cm (Grows to approximately 6cm) Sex - Un-sexed. Add a loach-safe antibacterial treatment to the tank to treat skinny disease.Fungal InfectionFungal infections are characterized by fluffy, white growths on the affected fishs head, body, and fins. You can either keep Hillstream Loaches on their own or in groups of 3 or more. 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. The base water parameters for a reticulated hillstream loach are fairly straightforward. This will give them a very fast flow and enough oxygenation whilst maintaining water purity. The Streamer Loaches long tails are able to reach up to 12 inches long! To create a natural habitat for the Tiger Hillstream Loach, aquascape with ample amounts of river rocks of varying size and shape to replicate a tumbled streambed. Fine-grained gravel or sand is the ideal substrate for these fish as they like to burrow and wiggle across the bottom of the tank. Their penchant for strong fast-moving water is the main reason why they have such a unique look! Butterfly hillstream loaches have a lifespan of 3-5 years. Let us know your questions in the comments below, If you enjoy aquatic invertebrates, the Bamboo Shrimp is definitely one to consider adding to your community. Catfish have no scales. If youre in China, Southeast Asia, or India and see some speedy water, theres a good chance a hillstream loach is in there! Notes from the owner: It's best to use sand or fine gravel as substrate in an aquarium with loaches and other types of bottom-dwellers. A range of 65-80F (20-27C) is acceptable, but at higher temperatures, they may be more susceptible to stress and illnesses. Other types of substrate may have sharp edges that can be abrasive to the fish as . In the wild, they consume small aquatic crustaceans that live at the river bottom, algae, and small organisms living on underwater surfaces. In fact, we havent mentioned the most important reason why water flow is important. Hillstream loaches grow quickly. The eggs are often deposited out of sight, usually among larger pebbles or rocks. One hillstream loach needs a minimum aquarium size of around 10 gallons. There are of course exceptions to this general rule, as some species of catfish occupy the mid to surface water areas of an aquarium, such as the Glass Catfishes and the Upside-down Catfish. Hillstream loaches arent difficult to breed either. This streamlined body shape helps the Reticulated Hillstream Loach navigate (or stay put) in very strong currents with minimal effort. This is a type of loach that has hydrodynamic characteristics, such as a smooth body (their scales are tiny), depressed . Smooth caves, old pieces of driftwood, and clay ornaments are good hiding places for hillstream loaches to hide. If their patterning and shape were not fascinating enough, their underside is something to behold. Plus, its unusual body is covered with light-colored spots and dark brown striping patterns. Hillstream loaches are small, with flat undersides and horizontal fins that give the fish the appearance of a miniature stingray. The Ultimate Guide to the Bamboo Shrimp (Breeding, Size, Care), Yoyo Loach Species Information: Size, Tank Mates & More, Kuhli Loach: What To Know Before Buying This Loach, The 17 Best Types of Plecos For Beginners, African Cichlid 101: Care Guide, Types, Behavior & More, The Ultimate Bumblebee Goby Care Guide: Diet, Tank Mates and More. The gentle nature of this fish means they really wont want to get in the way of others. Youll also want to aim for a water change once a week to keep the quality high. To increase their survival rate, you can also put them in a breeder box to keep them safe from predators. Supplement the diet of the Reticulated Hillstream Loach with foods that sink to the bottom of the aquarium such as a high-quality flake food, sinking carnivore pellets, The tiny babies like to eat infusoria, vinegar eels, microworms, live baby brine shrimp, and powdered fry food. Add a pinch of food to the tank per day and decrease this amount the following day if theres leftover food. Although they are omnivorous they do not need many protein-rich foods. You should also place smooth pebbles or rocks on top of the substrate. Hillstream Loaches have developed a suction mechanism using their pectoral and pelvic fins which allows them to stick to rocks and the glass of aquariums whilst simultaneously feeding on algae. She has always been captivated by all kinds of marine life and particularly enjoys studying the effects of the external environment on the functioning marine world. *FREE SHIPPING on qualifying aquatic life orders $229 and up. There arent any big challenges you have to deal with when it comes to hillstream loach care, just maintain the appropriate water levels and theyll be good to go! Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis) Fish Profile & Care Guide Their mouths arent very large! After fertilization, it takes a couple of weeks for hatching to begin. Look for a tank with dimensions of at least 52 inches in length, 24 inches in width, and 16 inches in height. Because hillstream loaches lack scales, these fish are intolerant to even the smallest water changes. As mentioned before, biological matter such as detritus and algae that forms on river rock makes up a major portion of its diet. These fish are very sensitive to changes in water parameters and even small fluctuations can be deadly. Common Name - Borneo Sucker, Hillstream Loach, Myer's Hillstream loach, Butterfly Pleco or Chinese Hillstream Loach. They are reasonably hardy which means you do have some wiggle-room, but its best to keep them in water with the following levels. Since these fish spend so much time scouring the substrate, youll want to go with something soft and sandy. DIVER'S DEN WYSIWYG Store - 100's of NEW Aquatic Life Added Daily! Charlene is currently a third-year student, studying Marine biology. Feed the fish an extra pinch of food.The male will chase the female, beginning a courtship. The biggest factor impacting their lifespan is water quality. You should stick to smaller, peaceful companions. Hillstream loaches are easy to care for as long as these fish live in the right water parameters. Loach - Red Lizard, Saddleback Hillstream Loach (Homaloptera Borneo Suckers (Also known as the Chinese Hillstream Loach) are small, peaceful fish growing to a maximum size of about 6cm. 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. 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. The water is mostly clean due to its velocity and holds plenty of oxygen in it. Each additional Loach should be given at least 10 gallons. Add a loach-safe antibacterial treatment to the tank to treat skinny disease. Make sure the adults get plenty of food, and cover your filter intake with a pre-filter sponge to prevent the fry from getting sucked up. Shrimp can be very Read More , The Yoyo Loach is an energetic little fish that just loves to put on a show. Hillstream loaches are found only in caves and tunnels, which means that theyre not found in streams. hillstream loach for sale | eBay Hillstream loach species are small, colorful fish that come in various colors and patterns. Breed Type - Egg Layer. The fins are usually brown or blackish in color. Suckers - Hillstream Loach - Borneo Sucker (No Online Purchases) However, they have a very slow growth rate. This doesnt mean youll have trouble seeing this fish in your tank though. If there arent enough algae in the tank, you can supplement a hillstream loachs diet with algae wafers. They are brown with beautiful dark brown and white mosaic-like markings on their bodies. This tiny size makes it easy for them to find little crevices to hide in and access food that other fish cant. 3 Reticulated Hillstream Loach(Sewellia lineolata) Live Fish 2Day Fedex Shipping. Hillstream Loach: An Unusual and Hardy Fish - Sapy $22.38. The 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 is when you choose one of these creatures as part of your aquarium decoration! They live in the water and eat small insects so you can keep these pets with your other types of pet fish. Hillstream loaches make great pets and are easy to keep. Theres something about watching them do their thing thats so addictive. Hillstream Loach Care Guide: Tank Mates, Size, Breeding Borneo suckers should be offered some vegetable matter. Copyright 2023, LiveAquaria. Change the water once a week to maintain the right environment for your hillstream loach.Buy a power filter that replenishes the water at least 15 times per hour to mimic the fast currents of the fishs habitat. All rights reserved. Theyll get along very well with reticulated hillstream loaches. This species is unbothered by other species. The flattened body is a special adaptation that gives the Reticulated Hillstream Loach an extremely hydrodynamic shape. The Hillstream Loaches are a group of river loaches from the family Balitoridae. All rights reserved. Its quite common to see all of your hillstream loaches attached to the glass of your tank without a care in the world. This small, peaceful fish not only adds a unique element to any aquarium but also serves as an effective natural algae control. Borneo suckers should be offered some vegetable matter. Skinny disease is a common bacterial disease that causes a fish to rapidly lose weight, even if the fish appears to be eating normally. Catfish generally are excellent tankmates for a wide variety of other species of fish. These, Why Your Betta Fish Is Laying At The Bottom Of The Tank, Why Is My Goldfish Turning White? Hillstream Loaches prefer soft, green algae, so you should avoid more rubbery-like algae such as Filamentous algae. Hillstream loaches are classed as vulnerable in the wild because the fishs habitat is being destroyed by human destruction. And the recommended water temperature of the tank is around 65 to 75-degree F. If the tank water has a sufficient amount of oxygen, it can easily withstand warmer temperatures for a few hours. Hillstream loaches are endemic to Southeast Asia and Australia, where most people have never heard of them. The male wiggles about a bit to excavate a little hollow in the gravel. Males and females are the same size but females have a rounder body than males when viewed from above. Hillstream Loach are members of the family Balitoridae. This is also why the minimum tank size for a hillstream loach is bigger than you expect. 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. Suckers - Hillstream Loach - In Store Pick Up Only. Because these Loaches need colder waters you cannot keep them with many freshwater tropical fish. They look like strange creatures from another planet! Theyre found in tanks, The Dojo Loach (aka Weather Loach or Pond Loach) is one of our all-time favorite freshwater species. The average hillstream loach size is between 2-3 inches in length. Kale leaves, spinach, raw cucumber slices, zucchini, and blanched lettuce leaves are foods that can be added to the tank during feeding. Borneo suckers prefer a cooler water temperature, between 20 and 24o. These areas contribute to the total surface area that biofilms can grow on. Hillstream loaches are a very peaceful and calm freshwater fish. Hillstream loaches like the water to be a little on the colder side so that rules out a lot of tropical freshwater fish. Clown Loach. Also, keep a tight lid on the aquarium since they have the ability to climb up glass walls and escape. Also, avoid high water temperatures to ensure greater dissolved oxygen content. Their special body shape and pattern make them really stand out from the crowd. Male hillstream loaches can be territorial and occasionally engage in belly-to-belly fights. This is where the female will put her eggs. Hillstream loaches can survive for short periods in temperatures exceeding 75F, as long as the water is properly aerated. The hillstream loaches or river loaches are a family, the Balitoridae, [3] of small fish from South, Southeast and East Asia. They need oxygenated water that stays relatively cool (under 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and has lots of space for them to swim around when theyre not feeding or sleeping. (Sewellia lineolata) Starting at $14.99. The average hillstream loach lifespan is between 8-10 years if properly taken care of. Youll want to keep in mind their natural habitat when planning out their tank setup. Because Hillstream Loaches do not have scales they are very susceptible to water spikes, sickness and chemicals. They also occasionally eat insect larvae. Will eat prepared food, but also need a good algae growth for the little goodies (aufwuchs) that grow on it. Hillstream Loach (Sewellia Lineolata) - Care Guide - Tankarium Hillstream Loaches have been known to live up to 12 years when cared for properly. Sewellia lineolata is currently considered vulnerable under the IUCN redlist primarily due to habitat destruction. The information, content, and material contained on the site is intended to be of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute professional/medical advice. They are best known because of their dazzling appearance and lack of aggression. Your email address will not be published. However, these fish are some of the most popular and widely-available loach species for sale today. Males have more pronounced heads than females, while females heads run into their pectoral fins, giving the fish a round appearance. Weve kept them with goldfish, livebearers, shrimp, snails, tetras, danios, and other schooling fish with no problems. They were found in deeper pools of the fast-flowing rivers of Asia and they were also found in marginal rocky pools that were disconnected from the main river. This 2.5-inch (6.4 cm) oddball fish looks like a miniature stingray because of its streamlined shape, flat underside, and horizontal fins that can tightly grip onto any smooth surface. They come in many colors and patterns. They usually thrive if you maintain everything at the following levels: Water temperature: 68F and 75F. Gel fish food, frozen and thawed bloodworms, brine shrimp, marine plankton, and insect larvae are good portion sources for a hillstream loach. A planted tank is recommended as they reduce the nitrate content, increase oxygenation and again, provide surface area for biofilms to grow upon. Always compare the recommended temperature ranges first just to be safe! A range of 65-80F (20-27C) is acceptable, but at higher temperatures, they may be more susceptible to stress and illnesses. The Hillstream Loach is perfect for a sandy-bottom tank stocked with peaceful fish. A high oxygen tank is required to keep Hillstream Loach at their best. 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. Being small in size allows hillstream loaches to scavenge foods in crevices between rocks and plants on the riverbed. All catfish, except members of Malapteruridae (electric catfish), possess a strong, hollow, bonified leading ray on their dorsal and pectoral fins, through which a stinging protein can be delivered if the fish is irritated. Borneo Suckers (Also known as the Chinese Hillstream Loach) are small, peaceful fish growing to a maximum size of about 6cm. Algae and other food items . Temperature - Tropical 20c - 25c. Orders ship in 1-2 days. Although hillstream loaches dont need a lot of animal protein, these fish still require meat once or twice per week. Phylum: Chordata. In the wild, these fish feed on a variety of small insects and . awesome addition great with my other fish this is a little beauty, they are so enjoyable to watch a great addition to my aquarium, Copyright 2023, LiveAquaria. Hillstream loach - Wikipedia Feed the fry when they hatch.Leave adult hillstream loaches in the tank if the fry is at least 5 mm long. The ideal tank size is about 30 gallons with a minimum depth of 5 inches and a maximum length of 18 inches (1 foot). Care . They suck onto smooth rocks, eroded down by the fast river waters, which allows them to climb upstream. The complete lack of water flow can actually even kill them in some situations. They require a lot of room, water, and food to live comfortably. A group of 4 will need at least 80 gallons. Also known as Hillstream Loaches, these fish are adapted to living on rocks and boulders in fast flowing mountain streams. The tiger hillstream loach has base coloration is a light grayish/yellow and thick black stripes go in random directions all over their body. Well look no further than the Hillstream Loach. Also, their oxygen and water flow requirements mean its simply not possible to provide them with the conditions they need in a small tank. Hillstream Loach Care Guide & Species Profile - Fishkeeping World In the wild the Hillstream Loach lives in very fast-flowing rivers in humid, subtropical Asian rainforests. They have a very heavy amount of algae in their natural diet which is partly why they enjoy hanging out on rock surfaces so much (they are great places for algae to grow). Males like to scuffle with each other, circling round and round trying to get on top of their opponent, but no bodily harm is done. If you feed them well, there is a higher likelihood the adults may start breeding. You can find hillstream loaches in pet stores and online shops. Danios and rasbora species are two very solid choices that we can recommend with confidence. The Hillstream loach has a very short lifespan, which is why theyre not long-lived fish. Hundreds of articles to help you with your aquarium. You will need lighting high enough to encourage algal growth in your tank as this will serve as a food source for your Loach (40-watt tubes are ideal). Providing hiding places for them is of utmost importance. Hillstream loaches are used to the clean water thats found in their natural habitats and can suffer in tanks with subpar water quality. Customer Favorites, Marine Invertebrates - Save 25%, Popular Value Packs, Marine Invertebrates, LiveAquaria Certified Captive Grown Corals, Captive-Bred Freshwater Fish and Invertebrates. Parents of People, Pets, and Plants. Origins. The Reticulated Hillstream Loach should not be housed in a tropical aquarium setup with water temperatures consistently above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to retain all other water parameters and decorations exactly the same as their regular tank. If you get two, the stronger one may bully the weaker one over food or territory. After raising the temperature slightly, perform a cool 25% water change. Otocinclus: Oto Catfish Care Guide & Species Profile, Yoyo Loach Care Guide: Size, Breeding, and More, The Clown Loach Care Guide: A Playful Bottom Dweller For Community Tanks, Marine Aquarium Societies of North America, Hillstream loach, lizardfish, flossensaugers, Light brown with white and dark brown markings. Although peaceful, most will defend territories, either to sequester feeding resources like a nice patch of algae, or to keep other fish away from a potential breeding site. Hillstream loaches are freshwater species that love to swim and stay in shallow waters that are fast moving. Many people have success breeding them in an established aquarium that has lots of mulm, infusoria, algae, hiding spots, and perhaps a rock pile for the fry to dart underneath. Excludes Frozen Foods. It can be kind of funny to observe at times. They are known for their very unique scale pattern which makes them look like the word Yoyo is written all over them. This surface area allows for fast water circulation and increases oxygen concentration. Hillstream loaches feed on biofilm, algae, aufwuchs, and the occasional insect larvae in the wild. They will require plenty of space and food, and their small size makes them hard to keep in an aquarium. Sadly these Loaches remained largely unknown until their rediscovery in the 1990s. These make great surfaces for them to rest on and also tend to accumulate some algae over time that they can snack on. Everything Fishkeeping 2022 - All Rights Reserved. Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. Move the fry to your main aquarium when the fry are large enough to be left alone by big fish. Hillstream Loaches will live for between 6-8 years. Hillstream loaches are compatible with the majority of fish. They get along with most peaceful community fish that are similarly sized and wont fin nip them. Catfish are often described as being nocturnal creatures; in other words, they are most active at nighttime. Hillstream loaches are well-suited to community tanks with other peaceful fish. Fungal infections are characterized by fluffy, white growths on the affected fishs head, body, and fins. The most common type of stream loach is the red-tailed loach (Doratochromis chrysomelas). Not only are they very nice to look at but they make an excellent cleanup crew for your aquarium. Initially, they were the only species in the genus Sewellia, but there have been numerous additions since then including S.marmorata. Opens in a new window or tab. Males are usually larger than females and often display stronger colouration. If you have any additional questions about hillstream loaches we would be very interested in hearing from you. pH- 6.5 - 7.5, Temp - 18 - 27 degrees Celsius. Ensure the tank has a tight lid to prevent hillstream loaches from scaling the tanks glass walls and escaping.Live plants provide a good hiding place for hillstream loaches and are essential for reducing the waters nitrate content.Some of the most suitable plants for a hillstream loach tank are water wisteria, java moss, dwarf aquarium lily, and crinum.Smooth caves, old pieces of driftwood, and clay ornaments are good hiding places for hillstream loaches to hide.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-4','ezslot_19',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-4','ezslot_20',120,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-4-0_1');.leader-4-multi-120{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}LightingMake sure the tank gets enough light to encourage biofilm growth, which hillstream loaches eat. They are characterized by fluffy, white-looking growths on the Loach. These fish are naturally social and inquisitive, but hillstream loaches are shy around humans and will hide behind plants or inside caves when they sense human presence. I lost my first betta last summer in a heat wave :( I bought a new betta in September and the new betta don't like my loach, he's dancing around him with his fins out big, back and forth where the loach is sitting on the glass, iv even seen him attack the . Use a sponge or mesh intake to prevent hillstream loaches from wriggling into the filter. Your email address will not be published. They make wonderful algae eaters. However, exposure to high water temperatures can be fatal to the fish in the long term.Water in the tank should be clean and well-oxygenated, with a fast flow. (Ambastaia sidthimunki) Starting at $21.99. The Hillstream Loach is one of the few species of fish that can be kept in a community aquarium. Even though they have slightly different adaptations and appearances they all require similar care and water parameters. Hillstream loaches are part of a family that includes rainbowfish, molly fish, and oddball members. Hillstream loaches are accustomed to fast-flowing freshwater environments. He is also a proud member of the, Fishkeeping Worlds 4-in-1 Bundle Set eBook. When it comes to diseases, the ones to look out for are any skin conditions and common freshwater diseases such as ich. That may be found near riverbanks where this type of fish lives during its native habitat (the Amazon River basin). Plants like hornwort are a great option, but feel free to experiment with a variety of other plants as well. A graphic mottled pattern adds further visual interest to defy any conventional resemblance to the classic piscine shape. Theyre also inexpensive compared to other types of aquarium fish species. But they prefer live foods such as insects & small crustaceans. A recommended minimum tank of 30 gallons should be provided to house the Reticulated Hillstream Loach. Algae and other food items growing on or encrusting the river rock is an essential food source that offers beneficial foraging activity. The recommended tank size for a hillstream loach is around 50 gallons. Hillstream Loaches - Best Oddball Algae Eater? - YouTube With the hillstream loach in particular, your biggest focus should be on their water parameters if you want them to live long and happy lives. They are relatively small in comparison to other Loaches and will reach 2.5-3 inches as an adult. In the wild, these fish are used to a lot of water movement and a rocky substrate. Like all fish, this lifespan range can be impacted quite a bit depending on the level of care they receive. 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. To create a natural habitat for the Tiger Hillstream Loach, aquascape with ample amounts of river rocks of varying size and shape to replicate a tumbled streambed. What fish can live with hillstream loaches? They are brown with beautiful dark brown and white mosaic-like markings on their bodies.