Tiger hillstream loach

Care at a glance

Overview

The tiger hillstream loach is a finely patterned, flat-bodied grazer that clings to rocks and glass in fast water. It is moderately hard to keep and needs a cool, well-oxygenated river tank.

Caring for the tiger hillstream loach

Give tiger hillstream loaches a well-oxygenated tank of 25 gal (95 L) or more, with brisk flow and lots of rockwork. Provide smooth stones and cobbles for grazing and spawning, and keep the tank mature so a rich film of algae develops.

Recreate their stream conditions closely, at 68 to 75°F (20 to 24°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, with a powerful current. Use a strong filter or a powerhead to drive the flow. High oxygen, cool temperatures and spotless water are the foundations of keeping this fish well.

Their main food is the biofilm and algae on stones. Once a mature film has built, top up their diet with sinking wafers, biofilm blocks and small frozen foods.

Tiger hillstream loaches are social and peaceful, so keep a group of six or more. They fan out across the hard surfaces, feeding and displaying to one another through the day. Pair them with calm, cool-water fish that enjoy the same strong current.

Given strong flow, cool water and a mature tank, established groups will spawn without hormones or special conditioning. They scatter eggs that fall into gaps in the gravel and give no parental care. Coaxing and raising the fry is difficult.

Good to know

Sewellia lineolata is a member of Gastromyzontidae, the hillstream loaches. Its flattened body and fused paired fins form a suction disc that holds it against rock in ripping current. Unlike the botiid loaches, it has no eye spine.

In the wild

The tiger hillstream loach comes from central Vietnam. It lives in shallow, fast-flowing streams that tumble over rock and cobble, in cool, oxygen-saturated water.

Common questions

Related species

• 

  Showy hillstream loach

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• 

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• 

  Finespot hillstream loach

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• 

  Spotted hillstream loach

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• 

  Yellowfin Borneo sucker

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• 

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