CheckMyFishTankHillstream Loach care
Sewellia lineolata · Freshwater · Advanced level care
A flat, sucker like loach that needs cool, fast, well oxygenated water.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours. Algae wafers, blanched vegetables, frozen foods.
Claims a territory and guards it.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Hillstream Loach in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Cardinal Tetra: Cardinal Tetra and Hillstream Loach need different water temperatures.
- Rummynose Tetra: Rummynose Tetra and Hillstream Loach need different water temperatures.
- Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Hillstream Loach.
- Betta (Male): Betta (Male) and Hillstream Loach need different water temperatures.
- Betta (Female): Betta (Female) and Hillstream Loach need different water temperatures.
- Pearl Gourami: Pearl Gourami and Hillstream Loach need different water temperatures.
- Moonlight Gourami: Moonlight Gourami and Hillstream Loach need different water temperatures.
- German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Hillstream Loach need different water temperatures.
Questions
What size tank does a Hillstream Loach need?
At least 30 gallons for a group of 6. Adults grow to about 2.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Hillstream Loach like?
68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6.5 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Hillstream Loach should I keep together?
Keep 6 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Hillstream Loach eat?
Algae wafers, blanched vegetables, frozen foods. Feed twice a day: a small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.