Will a Hillstream Loach clean the algae in my tank?

While they do eat certain types of soft green algae and diatoms, they are not a reliable 'cleanup crew' for problem algae like hair or beard algae. They graze primarily for the micro-organisms living within the algae (aufwuchs).

Can I keep just one Hillstream Loach?

It is not recommended. They are naturally found in loose aggregations and display much more natural behaviour, including their fascinating dominance displays, when kept in groups of three or more.

Do I need a heater for my Hillstream Loach?

In most modern homes, a heater is not necessary. They prefer cooler water between 20°C and 24°C, which often aligns with room temperature. A heater may only be needed if your home gets unusually cold.

Why is my Hillstream Loach sitting at the very top of the water line?

This is almost always a sign of low dissolved oxygen in the tank. Hillstream loaches demand highly oxygenated water; you should immediately increase surface agitation or add an air stone.

Are they safe with shrimp?

Yes, they are completely safe with dwarf shrimp like Cherry Shrimp. Their mouths are designed for scraping flat surfaces, not for hunting or swallowing mobile prey like shrimp.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Hillstream Loach

Sewellia lineolata

A fascinating, flattened loach that relies on highly oxygenated, fast-flowing water and a steady supply of biofilm to thrive.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 20 – 24 °C
pH range: 6.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 5 – 6.5 cm
Min. volume: 60 litres+
Lifespan: 4 – 6 years
Diet: Omnivore (Aufwuchs specialist)
Water flow: High
Preferred setup: River manifold or strong circulation pumps, smooth water-worn boulders, bright lighting to promote biofilm.

About the Hillstream Loach

The Hillstream Loach, scientifically known as Sewellia lineolata, is instantly recognisable by its dorsoventrally flattened body and wide, wing-like fins. Often compared to a miniature freshwater stingray, this morphology is a brilliant evolutionary adaptation that allows the fish to cling effortlessly to smooth stones in torrential river currents. While they are peaceful and captivating to observe, they are highly specialised creatures that demand a specific environment to remain healthy in the home aquarium.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Hillstream Loach against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Hillstream Loach comes from

Native range

Southeast Asia, Mekong basin

Countries / regions

Vietnam, Laos

Habitat

Fast-flowing, highly oxygenated headwaters and hill streams with rocky substrates.

Primarily endemic to the coastal drainages of central Vietnam.

Similar species

Borneo Sucker
Gastromyzon ctenocephalus
Chinese Hillstream Loach
Beaufortia kweichowensis
Panda Loach
Yaoshania pachychilus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Thrives in the same cooler, highly oxygenated water and occupies the upper levels without competing for food.
Great
Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
Very active, fast-swimming fish that appreciate strong currents and cooler temperatures.
Great
Stiphodon Goby
Stiphodon spp.
Shares the benthic riverine habitat and environmental needs, generally coexisting peacefully alongside Sewellia.
Great
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
Can be overly boisterous and may outcompete the loaches for benthic food sources as they grow larger.
Compatible with caution
Betta Splendens
Betta splendens
Requires warm, stagnant water which is the exact opposite of the Hillstream Loach's need for cool, fast-flowing currents.
Not recommended

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