They will also eat:
- sinking fish pellets, flakes, algae wafers,
- spirulina,
- a vegetable matter like blanched spinach, zucchini, cucumbers, kale, mashed peas, etc.
What do hillstream loaches eat?
Like other loaches, the hillstream loach is omnivorous. Its favorite food is nonetheless algae that grow on the rocks in your aquarium. The fish will continually snack on the algae. It thus should be seen as the cherry on top of your loach’s diet rather than its main feed.
What size aquarium does a hillstream loach need?
The Hillstream Loach will need at least a 50 gallon aquarium. Each additional Loach should be given at least 10 gallons. The Hillstream Loach is a very peaceful community fish that often keeps to itself due to its small size and bottom-dwelling nature. Because these Loaches need colder waters you cannot keep them with many freshwater tropical fish.
Can you breed hillstream loaches?
Hillstream loaches like the water to be a little on the colder side so that rules out a lot of tropical freshwater fish. Always compare the recommended temperature ranges first just to be safe! Breeding hillstream loaches is definitely possible but is known to be quite challenging.
Do hillstream loaches eat vegetables?
What do Hillstream Loaches Eat? In the wild, they consume small aquatic crustaceans that live at the river bottom, algae, and small organisms living on underwater surfaces. In your aquarium, they will happily scrape off anything that grows on your fish tank walls, rocks, driftwood, and plant leaves.
Can I keep a single hillstream loach?
These fishes prefer to live in a community setup. But sometimes, the male hillstream loaches part with others if they don't get enough coverage in the tank. So, instead of keeping them alone, you should keep them in a group in a big aquarium.
How many gallons do hillstream loaches need?
The recommended tank size for a hillstream loach is around 50 gallons. If you think it's a little bit large considering how small these fish are, here's the reason: Author Note: These fish do best when kept in a group of 3-4.
How big can hillstream loaches get?
Reticulated hillstream loach is black and yellow, spotted along the head and back. Spots run together along the sides to form long stripes. Body is dorsoventrally flattened, and the pectoral and pelvic fins are wide and round. This species grows to a maximum length of 2.2 inches (5.7 cm).
Do hillstream loaches need flow?
To keep hillstream loaches happy, the tank does not have to be overly complicated but it should have some specific features: fast flowing water to allow algae to grow in strong lighting, darker protected areas with slower flow and even some areas with little or no flow. Variation is the key.
Do hillstream loaches eat brown algae?
4:196:52Otocinclus vs Hillstream Loach – Which is Better? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLoaches. Their food preferences. Also come into play when it comes to the most important categoryMoreLoaches. Their food preferences. Also come into play when it comes to the most important category which is how well do they eat algae. And i was surprised.
Do hillstream loaches eat bloodworms?
Diet / Fish Food : Herbivore, but the Hillstream Loach will accept meaty foods. Diatoms in the tank as well as algae wafers as a treat are good algae foods, but for the meaty foods, mysis shrimp and bloodworms are good foods.
How long do hillstream loaches live?
Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata): Care GuideCommon Name(s)Hillstream Loach, Reticulated Hillstream LoachLifespan8 to 10 yearsWater pH6.5 to 7.5Tank MatesSmall, peaceful freshwater fish.BreedingBreeding pair will spawn in a nest built in the substrate by the male.7 more rows
Do hillstream loaches eat hair algae?
While hillstream loaches are great at consuming flat types of algae, you may also need a more nimble-fingered algae eater that can reach into narrow gaps or tear off chunks of fuzzy algae.
Do hillstream loaches have teeth?
They are normally small, and either wormlike or chunky with a flattened belly. Their mouth is sub-terminal (pointing downwards) without teeth, they do however, like the cyprinids, have pharyngeal teeth in the throat.
Do hillstream loaches like caves?
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.
How much is a hillstream loach?
Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata) - Aquatic Arts on sale today for $ 57.99.
Can a loach live with a Betta?
Kuhli loaches: There are a number of Loaches that might work with your Betta fish. Like Dwarf loaches and the rare Panda loach. However, there is one clear loach winner: Kuhli loaches. They make an excellent match because they spend a lot of their time hiding and looking for food in your tank's substrate.
Are hillstream loaches shy?
The Hillstream Loach is a really neat little fish that is great at eating the small crustaceans and larvae (aufwuchs) that grows in algae. This loach can be very shy and won't really show themselves in the home aquarium too much.
What is a hillstream loach?
There are many types of hillstream loaches that live in similar environments, but let’s specifically discuss the reticulated hillstream loach (also known as the tiger hillstream loach or gold ring butterfly sucker) because it is one of the most common varieties available in the aquarium hobby.
What is the coolest algae eater?
Reticulated hillstream loaches ( Sewellia lineolata) are one of the coolest-looking algae eaters, but there’s a lot of conflicting information about their care requirements that makes people hesitant to try them.
Hillstream Loach Care
Hillstream Loaches are only for advanced fish keepers because of their tank set up, temperature and water purity requirements. Their lack of scales on their smooth bodies means that they are intolerant of water spikes, illness and chemicals.
Where can I find Hillstream Loach for Sale?
The Hillstream Loaches that are sold in local shops and online stores are often bred and raised by expert Asian and Eastern European fish breeders. Some enthusiasts who are taken to this species will sometimes sell their fry after successful breeding and advertise it on popular sites such as eBay or fish keeping forums.
Reticulated Hillstream Loach ( Sewellia lineolate) vs Butterfly Loach ( Beaufortia kweichowensis)
Butterfly Loaches are native to China, with some of their nicknames indicating this: Chinese Hillstream Loach; Hong Kong Pleco; Butterfly Hillstream Loach; Chinese Butterfly Loach and Chinese Sucker Fish.
What to feed loaches?
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. Set one tank with conditions necessary for algae growth.
How to keep Hillstream loaches in school?
Hillstream loaches are best in school of three or four. 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.
What are the characteristics of a loach?
At first glance, one might confuse the loach with the cat fish. However, they are totally different even though they share a few similarities. Some features of the hillstream loach fish are: 1 Presence of barbels around the mouth, 3-6 pairs 2 Having very few to no scales. Most of them have smooth bodies 3 They are torpedo-shaped 4 On the lower edges of their fins are minute spines that aid them with resisting the drag of fast flowing water 5 Flattened undersides that almost make them resemble snakes. Those with highly flattened undersides are believed to have previously inhabited streams with faster running water as opposed to those with less flattened undersides 6 Have slightly large fins used to wing themselves into rock crevices 7 Have sucker type kind of mouth 8 The length is about 2 to 3 inches 9 Have low affinity haemoglobin 10 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
What is a hillstream loach fish?
Remember the hillstream loach fish was specifically used to very fast moving water and the body is adjusted to it. Tank conditions should at least meet certain percentage of its original home to make its life comfortable, or at least bearable.
What is the best food for a loach fish?
The loach fish is known to scavenge for smaller animals hiding under rocks and the water foliage. Their favorite is aufwuch. Pellet food, shrimp pellets, algae wafers, flake, frozen food including brine shrimp and bloodworms are favorites too.
What are the features of a hillstream loach?
Some features of the hillstream loach fish are: Presence of barbels around the mouth, 3-6 pairs. Having very few to no scales. Most of them have smooth bodies. They are torpedo-shaped. On the lower edges of their fins are minute spines that aid them with resisting the drag of fast flowing water.
How often do loach spawn?
Among the loach species, the easiest to breed is Pseudogastromyzon Cheni. With small broods of fry, as soon as they begin to breed, they spawn after every few weeks. The male begins the process of digging a spawning pit by rapidly flicking its tail. The female comes to lay eggs in this pit.
What is the food source of the Chinese hillstream butterfly loach?
There are not much aquatic vegetation in the region, and the substrate usually contains submerged leaves. The presence of oxygen-rich water and sunlight encourages the development of abundant biofilm on surfaces, and this serves as a major food source for the Chinese hillstream butterfly loach.
Where is the Butterfly Hillstream Loach native to?
Natural Habitat of Butterfly Hillstream Loach. Beaufortia kweichowensis is native to the Xi Jiang River system in Southern China, the major tributary of the great Zhu Jiang (Pearl River). The type locality of the Chinese hillstream butterfly loach is San-ho Hsien, Kweichow, China in the upper part of the basin, Guizhou Province.
How long do Chinese Hillstream butterfly loaches live?
The Chinese hillstream butterfly loach is typically about 3 inches (7 cm) in length and can live between 5-6 years in captivity. The fish has a flat belly and yellow-brown body with lots of prominent black spots that give it a beautiful pattern.
Where did the butterfly loach come from?
Origin and Taxonomy of Butterfly Hillstream Loach. The Chinese hillstream butterfly loach is a species of gastromyzontid loach indigenous to shallow, freshwater streams and rivers in China. The loach was described as Gastromyzon leveretti kweichowensis by P.W. Fang in 1931. Its scientific classification is as follows:
How to keep fish alive in a tank?
Since the fish doesn’t tolerate poor water quality so well, try as much as possible to keep the tank water clean and well-oxygenated at all times. Lastly, maintain optimal water conditions and ensure that there is an abundant supply of biofilm, and your fish will live for many years.
Do Chinese Hillstream butterfly loaches predate their babies?
Chinese hillstream butterfly loaches do not predate on their babies. However, because they are very small, they may not even notice that. Therefore, it is recommended to keep and raise the fry in a separate tank. The rearing tank should have the same water parameters, some current, and rich oxygenation.
Do Chinese Hillstream loaches need tank changes?
In addition, they are very susceptible to tank changes and need extra attention in the first few weeks.
How much water is needed for Hillstream loach?
It is necessary to take into account the following rules for the maintenance: 15L of water is required per fish; Hillstream loach do not like loneliness – it is better to buy a group of 4-5 individuals; they should not be kept together with large, aggressive, or predatory fish.
What plants do Hillstream loach dig in?
A good choice is ferns, anubias, echinodorus. It is necessary to ensure that there are no sharp objects or stones at the bottom of your aquarium.
How big do Hillstream loach fish get?
Hillstream loach grows to sizes from 3 to 6 cm, maximum – up to 7 cm. These fishes can live up to 3 years. They have a peculiar body shape – it is flat, narrowed from below, with rounded fins. Due to the fan-shaped pectoral and ventral fins, Hillstream loach can swim well against the tide.
What is a hillstream loach?
Hillstream Loach is a small freshwater fish that is also known as Borneo Sucker, Gastromyzon Punctulatus or butterfly loach. It belongs to the. Skip to content. AngelFish.
Why do you need a filter for a Hillstream loach aquarium?
You should install a powerful filter and compressor to enrich the water with oxygen because Hillstream loach likes to be near them, as the current reminds them of their natural habitats. Lighting in the aquarium should be moderate. Hillstream loach is very sensitive to chemicals dissolved in water.
What color are loaches?
Depending on the mood, the coloring of these loaches may vary. In a calm state, it is brownish with milky white spots. When the fish is frightened, it brightens, spots on the body merge with the main color. With the manifestation of aggression, a black band appears on her ridge, and the fins darken.
What do fish eat?
The basis of their diet is chopped vegetables – lettuce, cucumbers, zucchini, which must be put to the bottom in a clay plate so that the fish find them faster. As a live feed, a tubule, small cyclops, bloodworms, artemia are used. It is advised to give them frozen.
What do hillstream loaches eat?
A well-balanced diet for a hillstream loach in captivity is a mi of flakes, pellets, algae wafers, frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp.
What to look for in a tank mate for a hillstream loach?
Besides aggression, the main thing you’ll want to look for in a tank mate is temperature preference. Hillstream loaches like the water to be a little on the colder side so that rules out a lot of tropical freshwater fish. Always compare the recommended temperature ranges first just to be safe!
How long do hillstream loach live?
The average hillstream loach lifespan is between 8-10 years if properly taken care of. Like all fish, this lifespan range can be impacted quite a bit depending on the level of care they receive.
What order is the Hillstream Loach?
The hillstream loach (scientific name: Sewellia lineolata) is from the Cobitoidea superfamily and Cypriniformes order. As a loach, they spend most of their time working their way around the bottom of rivers and creeks when in their natural habitat.
What color are tiger loach fins?
The tiger hillstream loach has base coloration is a light grayish/yellow and thick black stripes go in random directions all over their body. These stripes are usually more linear on the caudal and dorsal fins.
Where can I find reticulated hillstream loach?
The reticulated hillstream loach is a huge fan of fast-moving water and is normally found in rivers and streams throughout Asia that have strong currents. If you’re in China, Southeast Asia, or India and see some speedy water, there’s a good chance a hillstream loach is in there!
How many fish should I keep in a 50 gallon tank?
However, it’s worth noting that these fish can exhibit territorial behavior in certain situations. This is why it’s usually best to keep their numbers at 3-4 in a 50-gallon tank. Exceeding this can lead to possible scuffles over territory.
KaitieG
I received a shipment of loaches on Monday that had been in the mail several days. I've been trying to offer very high-quality foods--live bbs, frozen bbs, frozen daphnia, Repashy Community Plus and Soilent Green. These are the first loaches I've had and the dwarf chains are pretty high-energy and just move in a mass around the tank.
KaitieG
Will do! Do you know if they prefer eating during the day or at night? I've been trying to offer at both times.
Brandy
I haven't seen them eat either when I have kept them in the past. I wonder if you could paste thin repashy on some smooth rocks? or smear on the glass...?
KaitieG
I haven't seen them eat either when I have kept them in the past. I wonder if you could paste thin repashy on some smooth rocks? or smear on the glass...?
Brandy
Yeah long term would be no...but if your QT was recently set up it might not have much biofilm or algae.
Lifeisgood
I agree with what has been suggested. Mine will eat sinking pellets and granules of many kinds. They do love eating biofilm off Anubias plants. I try to sprinkle granules on the anubias plants. So if you have one of those you could put in your QT tank, they will enjoy that and might make it their favorite hangout.
KaitieG
I agree with what has been suggested. Mine will eat sinking pellets and granules of many kinds. They do love eating biofilm off Anubias plants. I try to sprinkle granules on the anubias plants. So if you have one of those you could put in your QT tank, they will enjoy that and might make it their favorite hangout.
