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Hillstream Loach

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Sewellia lineolata

Complete Hillstream Loach care guide covering herbivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Hillstream Loach

Quick Answer

Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 20 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. This herbivore occupies the bottom zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their peaceful nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the bottom levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

Hillstream Loach requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 20 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 22-26°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 6.5 - 7.5 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a herbivore, the Hillstream Loach is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

Hillstream Loach has a peaceful temperament. They are compatible with other fish of similar sizes and temperaments. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: None.

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Tank Position
Bottom
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Herbivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Hillstream Loaches should be kept together?
Maintain a group of 3 to 6 individuals in a tank of at least 30 gallons (113 liters) with a footprint of 36x12 inches (90x30 cm). Hillstream loaches (Sewellia lineolata) resemble miniature stingrays and use suction-cup bodies to secure themselves against fast currents. Groups under 3 cause stress and territorial hiding. A school of 6+ displays natural grazing on rocks. Provide smooth river rocks (2-4 inch diameter), high water flow (15x turnover), and strong aeration. Tank length must exceed 30 inches (75 cm) for their active benthic movement.
What are the exact water parameters for Hillstream Loaches?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 5 - 12 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 4 - 10 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 100 - 250 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 200 - 500 μS/cm, and temperature 68°F - 75°F (20°C - 24°C). They require cool, highly oxygenated water with strong powerhead currents (20x turnover). Maintain nitrates below 15 ppm with weekly 25% water changes. Use a canister filter with spray bar or powerheads. Provide smooth river stones and rounded gravel. High temperatures above 78°F (25.5°C) cause oxygen depletion and death.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Hillstream Loaches?
They are specialized biofilm grazers requiring 70% algae, 20% aufwuchs, 10% protein. Provide mature rocks covered in green algae (grown under strong light), supplemented with algae wafers, sinking spirulina tabs, and blanched zucchini daily. Feed frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp once weekly. Medication alert: Extremely sensitive to copper (0.05 mg/L lethal) and formalin. Scaleless; use malachite green at quarter dose (0.025 mg/L). Praziquantel is safe. Avoid salt (tolerance <2 ppt). Quarantine with metronidazole at half-strength.
How to breed Hillstream Loaches in captivity?
Condition a group of 5-6 with algae wafers and live brine shrimp for 4 weeks. Simulate rainy season: Perform 40% water change with cool (64°F/18°C) RO water over 2 hours, increase water flow, add smooth stones. Spawning occurs on flat rocks; female lays 20-50 large adhesive eggs. Male fertilizes and guards eggs for 7-10 days at 70°F (21°C). Eggs hatch; fry are 0.2 inches (5 mm) and accept algae wafers and biofilm immediately. Remove male after hatch. Grow-out requires mature biofilm-covered rocks and high flow.