Kale leaves, spinach, raw cucumber slices, zucchini, and blanched lettuce leaves are foods that can be added to the tank during feeding. Make sure the tank gets enough light to encourage biofilm growth, which hillstream loaches eat. 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. 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. This fish is recommended for experienced fish-keepers only due to their required water conditions. 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. Shrimp can be very Read More , The Yoyo Loach is an energetic little fish that just loves to put on a show. If you get two, the stronger one may bully the weaker one over food or territory. A graphic mottled pattern adds further visual interest to defy any conventional resemblance to the classic piscine shape. They reach the subadult status, where they are around 2-2.5 inches long, at around 7 months after hatching. In their natural habitat, a hillstream loach will spend their time either camped out on a rock or slowly working their way across the bottom looking for food. A fast-moving, oxygen-rich environment can be achieved through the use of powerheads. They look like a cross between a goldfish and a cichlid. Aquarium Volume Calculator: How Many Gallons Is Your Tank? Borneo Sucker - Coburg Aquarium 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. This is a territorial behavior done by the males to establish a territory. That may be found near riverbanks where this type of fish lives during its native habitat (the Amazon River basin). They have been known to breed in a Goldfish tank. You wont need to separate the parents and the newborn fish after theyve hatched. Some have spots on their fins that may be orange or red as well! Breeding hillstream loaches is definitely possible but is known to be quite challenging. To treat a hillstream loach with a fungal infection, add one tablespoon of fish salt for every gallon of water in the tank, or visit your local fish store for antifungal treatment. However, these fish are some of the most popular and widely-available loach species for sale today. The average hillstream loach size is between 2-3 inches in length. Care Guide of the Daring and Unusually Black Spotted Hillstream Loach Substandard water quality and infected wounds are common causes of fungal infections.To treat a hillstream loach with a fungal infection, add one tablespoon of fish salt for every gallon of water in the tank, or visit your local fish store for antifungal treatment.Habitat and Tank RequirementsHillstream loaches are accustomed to fast-flowing freshwater environments. This build makes it easy for them to resist currents while other fish are forced to use a significant amount of energy to stay in the same place. Well get into the details a bit further on in the guide, but that will have the biggest impact on their lifespan. pH Levels: 6.5-7.5. You can also add in some vegetables for them like kale or spinach. Everything Fishkeeping 2022 - All Rights Reserved. A well-balanced diet for a hillstream loach in captivity is a mi of flakes, pellets, algae wafers, frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp. Water type: kH 10-15. Hillstream Loaches are notoriously difficult to breed in home aquariums. Most hillstream loaches spend the daylight hours latched onto the side of the tank or searching for something to eat. Because hillstream loaches lack scales, these fish are intolerant to even the smallest water changes. Hillstream Loaches will live for between 6-8 years. The habitat is plain, with minimal vegetation and plenty of big rocks spread evenly throughout a sandy substrate. Hillstream loaches are small, with flat undersides and horizontal fins that give the fish the appearance of a miniature stingray. Make sure to use a tight-fitting aquarium hood or top because hillstream loaches can easily climb out of your aquarium. Sewellia lineolata is currently considered vulnerable under the IUCN redlist primarily due to habitat destruction. Hillstream loaches like the water to be a little on the colder side so that rules out a lot of tropical freshwater fish. This fish is common in the wild and can be seen swimming in strong currents, gliding over smooth rocks, and climbing vertical surfaces. Reticulated Hillstream Loach. Hillstream loaches originate from cool waters, which allow them to live in the lower temperatures preferred by goldfish. Additional locales and sizes may be available! These stripes are usually more linear on the caudal and dorsal fins. Hillstream loaches not only clean algae off flat surfaces like tank walls but also lacy leaves and uneven rocks. There is something so captivating about the appearance of these fish. While you dont need to have a ton of experience to care for them effectively, there are a few wrinkles that you might not be used to. They have a nice tapered shape (kind of like a torpedo) that allows them to cut through and withstand water that moves quickly. The Hillstream Loach is a very peaceful community fish that often keeps to itself due to its small size and bottom-dwelling nature. Because it doesnt take long for them to reach their maximum size of about an inch long. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, Care Guide for Hillstream Loaches The Oddball Algae Eater, Top 10 Colorful Fish to Brighten Up Your Next Freshwater Aquarium, Care Guide for Silver Tip Tetras Fun and Interactive Schooling Fish, 5 Easy Tips to Save Money in the Fishkeeping Hobby, Top 5 Red Plants to Try in Your Next Planted Aquarium, Care Guide for Pygmy Corydoras The Worlds Tiniest Cory Catfish. 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. This is a type of loach that has hydrodynamic characteristics, such as a smooth body (their scales are tiny), depressed . The ideal tank size is about 30 gallons with a minimum depth of 5 inches and a maximum length of 18 inches (1 foot). The best aquarists make this a habit because they know its far easier/safer to catch a level shift early on than deal with it later. Theyre small, but they can grow quickly and live in very clean water. You can distinguish between males and females by looking at the fishs head formation. Algae and other food items growing on or encrusting the river rock is an essential food source that offers beneficial foraging activity. If not, remove the adults. Although they are omnivorous they do not need many protein-rich foods. Feed the fish an extra pinch of food. Hillstream Loaches - Best Oddball Algae Eater? - YouTube One interesting behavior to watch out for is when they tussle belly to belly with each other. . Get weekly aquarium blog articles right in your inbox. A high oxygen tank is required to keep Hillstream Loach at their best. We think the hillstream loach is a very beautiful fish. Suckers - Hillstream Loach - In Store Pick Up Only. 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 Loach - Species Profile & Setup 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. You should stick to smaller, peaceful companions. Since these fish spend so much time scouring the substrate, youll want to go with something soft and sandy. This is the most beautiful and popular Hillstream Loach. The appearance of the Hillstream Loach is what makes them so attractive to many in the fishkeeping hobby. Hillstream Loach Facts. Hillstream loaches are easy to care for as long as these fish live in the right water parameters. Orders ship in 1-2 days. Buy It Now +$18.00 shipping. You dont want to have a lot of algae in your tank, and there will rarely be enough to sustain these fish. Hillstream loaches will also snack on algae that naturally occur in your aquarium too. Because they dont require large amounts of space or high-maintenance routines. The Saddleback Hillstream Loach (Homaloptera orthogoniata) is a very rare and beautiful species that is native to both Malaysian and Indonesian Borneo.It is known for its multi-colored brown, tan, and red coloration. They just want to do their own thing! The loach was described as Gastromyzon leveretti kweichowensis by P.W. Theyre also known as minnows or minnows (as well as cuttletails). 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. They are relatively small in comparison to other Loaches and will reach 2.5-3 inches as an adult. They get along with most peaceful community fish that are similarly sized and wont fin nip them. A range of 65-80F (20-27C) is acceptable, but at higher temperatures, they may be more susceptible to stress and illnesses. They often have blue lines running down their sides and white bellies with dark spots on them. Hillstream Loach: What To Know Before Buying This Loach Origins. This species is unbothered by other species. They look like a small stingray and have a remarkably streamlined body. They will not typically do well in a setup that uses CO2. Hillstream loach care is a fairly simple and stress-free process. These fish have few-to-no scales and sucker-type mouths. Breed Type - Egg Layer. Besides aggression, the main thing youll want to look for in a tank mate is temperature preference. Since these Read More , The Kuhli Loach is a small loach that lives at the bottom of the tank. To reduce aggression levels, make sure to provide more decorations or aquarium plants to block line of sight. The trick to keeping these fish happy and healthy is to invest in test kits due to their sensitivity to changing water parameters. Buy a power filter that replenishes the water at least 15 times per hour to mimic the fast currents of the fishs habitat. Dont house several hillstream loaches together unless theres enough space for the fish to have their own territories. Adult hillstream loaches reach 2.5 inches in length. You can either keep Hillstream Loaches on their own or in groups of 3 or more. Fascinating to watch as they latch onto the substrate, Compatible with many smaller tropical fish, Cannot tolerate spikes in water parameters, Water hardness should be at around 10-12dGH. Their bodies are built perfectly to deal with fast currents. These fish will also appreciate some good hiding places. And even then, it might not happen. Male hillstream loaches can be territorial and occasionally engage in belly-to-belly fights. pH level range: 6.5 to 7.5. Hillstream loaches arent difficult to breed either. 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. The hillstream loaches or river loaches are a family, the Balitoridae, [3] of small fish from South, Southeast and East Asia. You should only buy a hillstream loach if youre committed to looking after this fish by maintaining the right tank setup. They will usually be front and center attaching themselves to the side of your aquarium, or on a rock surface. $32.99. But they dont just look really neat, theyre also quite easy to keep. Recommended Tank Parameters. The head has a blunt and rounded shape with no barbels or teeth visible on the underside of their mouths. The water is very high in oxygen content due to the high water flow so you will need to set up a tank that replicates these conditions as closely as possible. Also, avoid high water temperatures to ensure greater dissolved oxygen content. Fang in 1931. You can usually buy juveniles for around $15-20. The substrate should be sand, fine gravel ornaments, and plants with roots. The Reticulated Hillstream Loach is a curious fish of extraordinary beauty. Increase the temperature of the tank to 78F and perform a cool water change to provoke breeding. Reticulated hillstream loaches (Sewellia lineolata) are one of the coolest-looking algae eaters, but theres a lot of conflicting information about their care requirements that makes people hesitant to try them. They usually thrive if you maintain everything at the following levels: Water temperature: 68F and 75F. In addition, this very practical and specialized body shape helps accentuate the gorgeous wing-like finnage of the Butterfly Hillstream Loach. Hillstream loaches are part of a family that includes rainbowfish, molly fish, and oddball members. Current Size - approximately 3-4cm (Grows to approximately 6cm) Sex - Un-sexed. Were huge fans of this fish because of their unique appearance and easygoing temperament. Add a loach-safe antibacterial treatment to the tank to treat skinny disease. hillstream loach for sale | eBay The males, on the other hand, have a slightly slimmer body and you may see some small tubercles develop along the head and on the first few rays of the pectoral fins called fences. The most important part of their care should be taken care of with the tank set up. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Smooth caves, old pieces of driftwood, and clay ornaments are good hiding places for hillstream loaches to hide. Despite having specific water requirements, hillstream loaches are beautiful, helpful additions to a home aquarium. Hillstream loaches grow to lengths of approximately 2-3 inches. Hillstream loaches make great pets and are easy to keep. These fish are very sensitive to changes in water parameters and even small fluctuations can be deadly. The eggs incubate for a couple of weeks. They are brown with beautiful dark brown and white mosaic-like markings on their bodies. Some great plant options include Hornwort, Java Moss, Water Wisteria, Crinum and Anubias. The Hillstream Loach grows to around 2.5 and 3 inches long. The average hillstream loach lifespan is between 8-10 years if properly taken care of. As one of the most peaceful species of fish, the hillstream loach is suitable for community tanks and rarely shows signs of aggression. In the wild Hillstream Loaches are omnivorous and enjoy eating algae biofilms and microscopic phytoplankton, bacteria and fungi, in addition to invertebrates such as zooplankton. Visit our store to check our range of Live stock, Betapet Cichlid Growth Pellet 1.5Kg (1.5mm Size Sinking Pellet), LCA All in One 500ml Low Tech Complete Liquid Fertiliser - Liverpool Creek Aquariums. These fish are omnivores and spend most of their time in the wild scavenging and looking for anything suitable to nibble on. This doesnt mean youll have trouble seeing this fish in your tank though. These stripes are usually more linear on the caudal and dorsal fins. pH: 7.0-7.8. 21 watchers Hillstream loaches need very oxygen-rich water in order to thrive. It can be kind of funny to observe at times. The tank should be long and rectangular, giving your hillstream loach plenty of surface area to explore along the bottom of the tank.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_16',136,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-136{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}This surface area allows for fast water circulation and increases oxygen concentration. Hillstream loaches are endemic to Southeast Asia and Australia, where most people have never heard of them. A female hillstream loach will become round and full-bodied during the breeding season.Typical BehaviorAs one of the most peaceful species of fish, the hillstream loach is suitable for community tanks and rarely shows signs of aggression.Male hillstream loaches can be territorial and occasionally engage in belly-to-belly fights.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',156,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1-0');Hillstream loaches are fast swimmers and easily out-swim bigger fish in a shared tank.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.When a hillstream loach becomes comfortable in its environment, the fish will stick to walls and rocks in the tank, eating algae off these surfaces.Hillstream Loach CareAdvertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_11',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',115,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-115{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}Hillstream loaches are easy to care for as long as these fish live in the right water parameters.Replicating the fast-flowing currents in the hillstream loachs natural environment will prevent the fish from becoming stressed.As grazers and omnivores, hillstream loaches eat a diet of algae, biofilm, fish food, and live foods.DiseaseBecause hillstream loaches are scaleless, these fish are susceptible to skin conditions. Required fields are marked *. However, its worth noting that these fish can exhibit territorial behavior in certain situations. Also, their oxygen and water flow requirements mean its simply not possible to provide them with the conditions they need in a small tank. Borneo Suckers (Also known as the Chinese Hillstream Loach) are small, peaceful fish growing to a maximum size of about 6cm. Not only will they serve as a good place to get some privacy, but theyll improve the water quality! Although they come from tropical waters they need high o2 so are best kept in cooler tanks. 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. Shop The Tech Den Australia for a wide selection of aquarium products including Suckers - Hillstream Loach - In Store Pick Up Only. However, you shouldnt get a hillstream loach if your tank already contains dominant loaches or the bottom area of your tank is crowded.Hillstream loaches are peaceful, entertaining fish that stand out in aquariums due to their unique appearance and tendency to stick to the side of the tank.Despite having specific water requirements, hillstream loaches are beautiful, helpful additions to a home aquarium.Related ArticlesFreshwater FishDojo Loach Care Guide & Species ProfileFebruary 7, 2022 RobertFreshwater FishYoyo Loach Care Guide: Size, Breeding, and MoreJanuary 19, 2019 RobertFreshwater FishLoach: Care Guide & Species ProfileFebruary 21, 2022 RobertFreshwater Fish9 Most Popular Types of LoachesFebruary 17, 2022 RobertFreshwater FishKuhli Loach Care Guide & Species ProfileJanuary 25, 2022 RobertFreshwater FishThe Clown Loach Care Guide: A Playful Bottom Dweller For Community TanksJuly 13, 2019 Robert. However, you shouldnt get a hillstream loach if your tank already contains dominant loaches or the bottom area of your tank is crowded. Reading this will make you ready to purchase one yourself! In the wild, these fish are used to a lot of water movement and a rocky substrate. They do not do well in tanks with lots of other loaches as this will lead to spats over territory and food. Goldfish Tank. Youll also want to aim for a water change once a week to keep the quality high. The fins are usually brown or blackish in color. Keeping them only in a pair can lead to one outcompeting and bullying the subordinate, which is an unhealthy dynamic. 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. It takes two weeks before the fry will hatch and when they do you should feed them infusoria, microworms, powdered fry food or baby brine shrimp straight away. He is also a proud member of the, Fishkeeping Worlds 4-in-1 Bundle Set eBook. $22.38. Should You Get a Hillstream Loach for Your Aquarium? Substandard water quality and infected wounds are common causes of fungal infections. This streamlined body shape helps the Reticulated Hillstream Loach navigate (or stay put) in very strong currents with minimal effort. Loach - Red Lizard, Saddleback Hillstream Loach (Homaloptera 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. Catfish are often described as being nocturnal creatures; in other words, they are most active at nighttime. Copyright 2023, LiveAquaria. Being small in size allows hillstream loaches to scavenge foods in crevices between rocks and plants on the riverbed. Millie is a passionate aquarist who caught the fishkeeping bug in high school and has been addicted ever since. Most people only get one because theyre more expensive and can cost around $15 each. Their mouths arent very large! In fact, we havent mentioned the most important reason why water flow is important. Danios and rasbora species are two very solid choices that we can recommend with confidence. Were more than happy to help you figure them out! A female hillstream loach will become round and full-bodied during the breeding season. To increase their survival rate, you can also put them in a breeder box to keep them safe from predators. If not, remove the adults.Move the fry to your main aquarium when the fry are large enough to be left alone by big fish.Should You Get a Hillstream Loach for Your Aquarium?You should get a hillstream loach for your tank if youre looking for a unique fish and if youre prepared to provide the exact tank parameters that this fish needs to thrive.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_21',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');Hillstream loaches are well-suited to community tanks with other peaceful fish. The flattened body is a special adaptation that gives the Reticulated Hillstream Loach an extremely hydrodynamic shape. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Theres something about watching them do their thing thats so addictive. Temperature - Tropical 20c - 25c. You will need a 50 gallon tank with a strong pump. These barbels are very short and small though and can be hard to notice from certain angles. Hillstream Loach eggs are tiny and white or translucent, though some may be a little bit yellowish. 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. 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. The hillstream loach has a highly patterned and streamlined body that is built to grip tightly onto rocks and withstand rushing rapids. Similarly-shaped, less dominant loaches should be avoided because these fish will be bullied by hillstream loaches. Hillstream loaches are unique and fun to keep, but they do have some challenges. Your email address will not be published. However, these fish are some of the most popular and widely-available loach species for sale today.You can find hillstream loaches in pet stores and online shops. Hillstream loaches that are sold on marketplaces like eBay are often cheaper. It is critical to maintain high water quality and aeration plus strong water movement to ensure the health of the Reticulated Hillstream Loach. These are versatile fish that can be kept in various aquarium setups. They reach the subadult status, where they are around 2-2.5 inches long, at around 7 months after hatching. You should feed your hillstream loaches similar foods in the aquarium. The hillstream loach is popular for its appearance. Use a sponge or mesh intake to prevent hillstream loaches from wriggling into the filter.The ideal pH range is 6.5 to 7.5, and water hardness should be medium, around 12 dH maximum. These, Why Your Betta Fish Is Laying At The Bottom Of The Tank, Why Is My Goldfish Turning White?