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Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.

Here's a complete guide to the Hillstream Loach, a fascinating freshwater fish known for its unique appearance and need for cool, fast-flowing water.


🐟 Hillstream Loach Overview

  • Common Names: Hillstream Loach, Butterfly Loach, Chinese Hillstream Loach, Borneo Sucker

  • Scientific Names (Examples):

    • Beaufortia kweichowensis (most common in the hobby)

    • Sewellia lineolata (Reticulated Hillstream Loach)

    • Gastromyzon spp.

  • Family: Balitoridae

  • Origin: Mountain streams in Southeast Asia (China, Vietnam, Thailand, etc.)


🧬 Identification & Appearance

  • Size: 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm)

  • Shape: Flattened body, wing-like pectoral fins, ventral sucker-mouth for clinging to surfaces

  • Coloration: Varies by species; often olive, tan, or gray with striking patterns (stripes, spots, reticulated designs)

  • Special Feature: Sucker-shaped belly adapted to cling to rocks in strong currents


🏡 Tank Requirements

  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (long tanks preferred)

  • Tank Setup:

    • Fast water flow (simulate river-like environment)

    • Smooth rocks, stones, and flat surfaces for grazing

    • Sand or fine gravel substrate

    • Low-light plants (Anubias, Java fern/moss)

  • Water Movement: Strong (use powerheads or river manifolds)

  • Oxygenation: High—these fish require well-aerated water

  • Lighting: Moderate (helps grow algae/biofilm on surfaces)


💧 Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 68–75°F (20–24°C)

  • pH: 6.5–7.5

  • Hardness: 4–15 dGH

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (sensitive to poor water quality)

  • Nitrates: <20 ppm


🍽️ Diet and Feeding

  • Natural Diet: Biofilm, algae, microscopic organisms

  • In Captivity:

    • Algae wafers

    • Spirulina-based foods

    • Sinking pellets

    • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)

    • Frozen/live food: daphnia, bloodworms (occasional protein)

  • Feeding Tip: Ensure food reaches tank bottom; they don’t compete well with faster midwater feeders


🧠 Behavior and Temperament

  • Temperament: Peaceful, shy, active during the day

  • Social Behavior: Best kept in groups (3–6 minimum)

    • Males may show minor territorial pushing but rarely fight

  • Activity: Constantly grazing on rocks, glass, and surfaces


🤝 Tankmates (Compatibility)

  • Great Companions:

    • White Cloud Mountain Minnows

    • Zebra Danios

    • Small rasboras or tetras (peaceful species)

    • Shrimp (like Amano)

  • Avoid:

    • Aggressive fish (like cichlids)

    • Large or fast-feeding species that outcompete them for food

    • Tropical warm-water species (above 78°F long-term)


🥚 Breeding Hillstream Loaches

  • Breeding Difficulty: Moderate to difficult in captivity

  • Spawning Behavior:

    • Males chase females and guard eggs in caves or under rocks

    • Eggs hatch in 1–2 weeks

  • Breeding Tank Setup:

    • Cool, well-oxygenated, heavily rocky environment

    • Strong water flow to simulate natural spawning conditions

  • Fry Feeding: Infusoria, powdered foods, and biofilm


❤️ Health & Care

  • Lifespan: 5–8 years (sometimes longer in perfect conditions)

  • Common Issues:

    • Suffocation due to low oxygen

    • Starvation (not enough algae or appropriate food)

    • Stress from poor tank mates or overcrowding

  • Preventive Tips:

    • Keep water ultra-clean

    • Provide plenty of food surfaces (not just water-column feeding)

    • Maintain consistent flow and aeration


Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Peaceful and interesting to watch Needs cooler, fast-flowing, oxygenated water
Unique appearance May struggle in tanks without enough algae
Algae grazers – natural cleaner Not ideal for beginners with warm tanks
Can be bred in captivity (rarely) Sensitive to poor water conditions

📌 Quick Reference Sheet

Parameter Ideal Range
Size 2–3 inches
Temp 68–75°F (20–24°C)
pH 6.5–7.5
Tank Size 20+ gallons (long)
Water Flow Strong
Oxygen Level High
Group Size 3–6+
Diet Algae, biofilm, wafers, veggies
Lifespan 5–8 years
Temperament Peaceful
Tankmates Peaceful, cool-water fish

🌿 Ideal Tank Setup (Hillstream Biotope)

  • Long tank with river manifold or sponge filters + powerheads

  • Sand substrate

  • Large smooth river stones, cobbles

  • Driftwood and mosses

  • High aeration, high flow

  • Moderate lighting to promote algae growth



We process orders on all weekdays (Monday to Saturday), excluding public holidays.

To avail free shipping, purchase amount should be Rs350/-(for Aquarium Accessories and Aquatic Plants) or more, less than the above amount shipping charges applicable Rs70/- only. For live fish delivery charges applicable at the time of checkout.

Orders are normally Shipped within 1-2 days and usually take 2-5 working days to be delivered based on your location. However, you will receive an approximate timeline when you place your order.

To ensure that your order reaches you quickly and in good condition, we only ship through reputed courier agencies.

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