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Chinese Hillstream LoachBorneo Sucker, Hillstream Loach, Hong Kong Pleco, Butterfly Loach Family: Balitoridae
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!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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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.
Comments from people who have kept this fish:
I purchased two at $10 dollars a piece. After the first month of living in a 30 gallon tank, I transferred them to a 55 gallon and shortly thereafter one died. The other appears to be doing fine and is active. I intend to purchase several more after reading about their social habits. I have a box filter hanging outside the aquarium - you know the one. I spotted several slivers on the side of the box that look like zebra danio but they haven't moved, so I'm wondering if they are loaches. EXCITING!
I have a hillstream loach and he has black fins with blue-ish white spots.
I got a Hillstream Loach, and he is the only one at the moment but I will get some more after reading this, though I was unsure of what he was when I got him. He is very friendly and loves my other fish! Also pretty :)
these fish are amazing creatures but they do grow so slow, you can have them for a few years and not realise they've grown at all. there are also so many different types of this fish.
my hong kong loach is great but i am a bit scared of it dying because my filter has broken and the person who sold it to me said it will die because it needs oxygon. but it is doing fine. i wish it could be a bit more attractive in looks though, im not keen on the colour
I have a chinese loach and Ive had it for a few months now. it is very beautiful and entertaining. Its never hiding, always out.
Some of the coolest comments:
They love running water. Try pouring water down the side of your tank while changing water and they'll scurry up well above the water level! I got two for $2 here in Singapore. They're quite hardworking at algae after they adjust to the tank. So far I've not fed them much and they seem to be doing alright in a bright set-up.
Author: Clarice Brough. CFS.
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