{"product_id":"hillstream-loach-sewellia-lineolata-1","title":"Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Hillstream Loach is a unique and fascinating freshwater fish known for its flattened body, beautiful spotted and striped patterns, and ability to cling to rocks and aquarium glass. Often called the Butterfly Loach or Reticulated Hillstream Loach, this peaceful species is native to fast-flowing streams in Southeast Asia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHillstream Loaches are excellent additions to mature freshwater aquariums with strong water movement and high oxygen levels. Their unusual appearance and entertaining grazing behavior make them a favorite among aquarists looking for something different.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sewellia lineolata\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Hillstream Loach, Reticulated Hillstream Loach, Butterfly Loach\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Vietnam\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Peaceful, occasionally territorial with other hillstream loaches\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 2.5–3 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 30 gallons\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 68–76°F\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6.5–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Omnivore, primarily algae and biofilm grazer\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 5–10 years\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eGroup Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Best kept in groups of 3 or more with adequate space\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHillstream Loaches spend much of their time grazing on algae, biofilm, and microorganisms growing on rocks, driftwood, and aquarium surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile they naturally consume algae, they should also receive a varied diet of high-quality sinking foods, algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, and occasional frozen or live foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA mature aquarium with established biofilm is especially beneficial for their health. Hillstream Loaches should not be expected to survive on algae alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHillstream Loaches thrive in aquariums that replicate their natural fast-flowing stream habitats. Provide smooth rocks, driftwood, and plenty of surfaces for algae and biofilm growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrong filtration, moderate to high water movement, and excellent oxygenation are essential for keeping these fish healthy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA sand or smooth gravel substrate works well, along with rounded river stones and open areas for grazing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHillstream Loaches are generally peaceful and can be housed with other non-aggressive fish that enjoy similar water conditions. Suitable tank mates include White Cloud Mountain Minnows, certain danios, and other peaceful stream-dwelling species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid aggressive fish or species that require consistently warm water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHillstream Loaches are often purchased for algae control, but they require specialized conditions to thrive. They are not traditional tropical algae eaters and generally prefer cooler, highly oxygenated water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir flattened bodies and specialized fins allow them to cling to surfaces in strong currents, making them fascinating to observe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough peaceful, males may occasionally display territorial behavior toward one another, especially around preferred feeding areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the best results, provide a mature aquarium with strong water movement, high oxygen levels, smooth rocks, and a consistent food supply.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSEO Meta Description\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShop Hillstream Loaches at Fish Happens Indy! Learn about Hillstream Loach care, tank size, temperature, algae-eating habits, diet, and ideal aquarium setup.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fish Happens","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67860017906029,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0950\/9231\/0381\/files\/IMG_3463.jpg?v=1793373312","url":"https:\/\/www.fishhappensindy.com\/products\/hillstream-loach-sewellia-lineolata-1","provider":"Fish Happens","version":"1.0","type":"link"}