Description

🐟 Hillstream Loach (Sewellia / Beaufortia sp.)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Sewellia lineolata / Beaufortia kweichowensis (commonly sold as Hillstream Loach)

• Family: Balitoridae

• Origin: Southeast Asia & Southern China (fast-flowing rivers/streams)

• Size: 2 – 3 inches (5 – 7.5 cm)

• Lifespan: 5 – 8 years

• Tank Zone: Bottom dwellers

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 100 – 250 ppm

• pH: 6.5 – 7.8

• Temperature: 20 – 25°C (68 – 77°F)

• Hardness: 4 – 12 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Unique flat, ray-like body with fins adapted for “sticking” to rocks.

• Peaceful, shy, and excellent algae grazers.

• Thrive in tanks with strong water flow & high oxygen levels.

• Active in groups, especially in well-oxygenated aquariums.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous with algae preference.

• Diet: Algae, biofilm, spirulina wafers, sinking pellets, blanched spinach, cucumber, zucchini, bloodworms (occasionally).

• Feeding: Small portions daily; supplement with vegetables if algae is limited.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (for a small group).

• Filtration: Strong filtration with high water flow & oxygenation.

• Decor: Smooth rocks, driftwood, and live plants for algae growth & hiding.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly; maintain stable cool water.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Keep at least 3–5 for comfort.

• Tank Mates: Guppies, Rasboras, Danios, Tetras, Corydoras, peaceful shrimp.

• Avoid: Aggressive or large fish; warm-water species.

✅ Do’s

• Provide strong water current (they mimic rivers).

• Add smooth rocks for grazing and hiding.

• Keep in cooler, well-oxygenated tanks.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep in warm aquariums above 27°C.

• Don’t add them to newly set tanks – need established algae/biofilm.

• Don’t keep them singly – they do best in small groups.

⭐ Quick Tips

• A very unique bottom dweller with “mini-ray” appearance.

• Excellent algae eater for cooler, fast-flow setups.

• Peaceful, hardy (once settled), and fun to watch in groups.