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Chinese Hillstream LoachBorneo Sucker, Hillstream Loach, Hong Kong Pleco, Butterfly LoachFamily: Balitoridae Beaufortia kweichowensisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken ChildsLatest Reader Comment - See More I have had two of these "C.H.Loach" and getting a real kick out of them. They disappear for long periods and just as I start to worry, I find them... (more) Mary E. Hyland At first sight the Chinese Hillstream Loach suggests some type of flounder, however it is truly a most unique loach that is both gentle and non-aggressive!Chinese Hillstream Loach Contents Though most often called the Chinese Hillstream Loach, you may find this fish under a variety of names such as the Hillstream Loach, Borneo Loach, Hong Kong Pleco, or Butterfly Loach. But you will be intrigued when you see one as it is truly an eye catcher. Its has a light brown to golden background color patterned overall with dark spots and has a dark spotted line following the edge of the fins. This small, peaceful little loach can be quite quick but will not defend itself against aggressors. Because they are from cooler waterways, they will do best in a "river" type aquarium kept with other gentle tank mates. Good water movement along with hiding and resting places created with plants, rocks, and driftwood in will be appreciated. The Chinese Hillstream Loach is a fairly hardy little fish, but they do tend to be shy so be sure to provide plenty of hiding places. They also love to scavenge debris and graze on algae, even cleaning the glass on the sides of the aquarium. They enjoy the company of their own species and are best kept in a group of five to seven, with the suggested minimum being three. For more Information on keeping this fish see: |
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Care and feeding: Since they are omnivorous, the Chinese Hillstream Loach will generally eat all kinds of live foods, sinking pelleted and tablet foods, flakes, and algae. They like frozen foods as well. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake or tablet food everyday. Feed mosquito larvae, brine shrimp (either live or frozen), tubifex, daphnia, and some vegetable foods such as algae wafers.
This fish will do well in a medium aquarium (ideally 20 gallons or so) with plants and places for retreat such as rocks, caves, and roots. Also use subdued lighting. They do best in soft, slightly acidic water with frequent water changes of about 10% a week. The substrate needs to be a fine gravel or sand that does not have sharp edges.
Distribution: The Chinese Hillstream Loaches are found in Southeast Asia; Hong Kong.
Size - Weight: These fish can reach up to about 3 1/4" (8 cm) though it is usually smaller in the aquarium.
Social Behaviors: A good community fish, they are gentle and peaceful. They will do well with non-aggressive tank mates as well as enjoy other members of their own species. It is recommended that they be kept in groups of at least 3, with larger groups of five to seven being recommended. They are rather shy, but when they move they are quite quick.
Sexual Differences: Although the sex of these has not been determined, it is reported that males are typically larger than the females.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom: These fish are mostly bottom dwellers, but will be seen grazing on algae on the sides of the aquarium.
Acceptable Water Conditions: Hardness: to 5° dH
Ph: to about 6.7
Temp: 72 - 80° F (22-26° C)
Breeding/Reproduction: There are reports of the Chinese Hillstream Loach having spawned for hobbyists but not much is known about their breeding habits. They are not yet bred commercially.
Availability: The Chinese Hillstream Loach is becoming popular and more readily available.
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