Just got 3 hill stream loaches for free. Currently there in my 10 gallon. And what would be the perfect diet for them? And is a 10 gallon big enough for them for life?
Hillstream Loaches
- Thread starter MalawiBoy
- Start date
Hope this helps.
Scientific Name: Beaufortia kweichowensis
Common name: Hillstream loach, Borneo sucker, China sucker, Butterfly pleco, Stingray pleco, Hong Kong pleco
Care Level: easy
Size: 2.5 inches
pH range: 6.5-7.5
Temperature range: 18-24 degrees Celsius (68-76 degrees Fahrenheit)
Origin: Borneo, Sumatra
Temperament: peaceful
Compatible Tankmates:
Tankmates should be able to tolerate very low temperatures and fast flowing currents. White cloud mountain minnows and several species of danios and devarios make suitable tankmates along with peaceful Schistura species and other hillstream loach species.
Diet:
Diet consists mostly of algae and aufwuches which harbor the algae. This, in short, makes us think hillstream loaches are indeed omnivores. They have been fed so far with bloodworms, mosquito larva, shrimps and plenty other foods. Small artificial foods will also be appreciated by this fish.
Tip: In order to ensure the continuous supply of algae, the use of sunlight, fertilizers/fish food and dechlorinated tap water in a bucket/spare aquarium (not the main river aquarium!) are very important and will be sufficient enough to grow algae in a few days. Simply place a few rocks inside the bucket of water. Put a pinch of fish food or dose it with fertilizer designed for aquarium plants. Once you are done with the above, place the bucket under direct sunlight. Wait patiently for a few days and you should expect green algal growth among the rocks. Alternately use the rocks by placing a few ones at a time in the main aquarium for the hillstream loaches to feed. Return the rocks to the bucket and use the others thus ensuring you will not run out of the supply of algae which is very important to the well being of the fish.
Tank Size for Adult: 20g minimum for a group of 8-10.
Narrative:
There are several species of hillstream loaches available all around Asia, however, details will be posted for specifics. They are easily distinguished from Gastromyzons by their smaller mouth shape and wider body appearance. A lot of these species can reach to 2-3 inches maximum size although smaller in captivity.
This fish has long been called in several other names including Borneo Sucker, Stingray Pleco, Butterfly Pleco and China Sucker. While they do closely resemble the plecos, the truth is they are neither plecos nor can they be considered as catfish. They are loaches thus falling under the cyprinids category.
Hillstream loaches inhabit fast-flowing streams with boulders and this must be replicated in captivity to satisfy their needs. In short, a tank with substrate and smooth rocks coated with algae make a suitable environment for them. Keep them at a temperature ranging 65-76 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher than that can result in inactivity and reduction of oxygen supply. Plants may be recommended as well to ensure excellent water quality as this fish actually prefers very clean water as evident in their habitat. Provide powerful currents and surface movements to ensure very high oxygen supply and continuing comfort in their home. They will not last long enough if the oxygen is greatly depleted or if any of their requirements are not met at all.
Sexing is not easy and may actually vary depending on the species. As far as breeding, some species have been successfully bred. One species worth mentioning is Sewella lineolata, one of the species well known for its beautiful reticulated patterns.
On tank maintenance, doing 20-30% water change on daily basis is recommended. Small frequent water changes are far more safer for this fish than big water changes at different time intervals as they will not be happy with the tremendous changes in water conditions.
Lastly, it has been acknowledged so far that hillstream loaches can last as long as five years provided they are not deprived of the requirements that will allow them to thrive in your tank happily.
I also have acquired three of these little fellas recently from a store outside of the city. People there had them with a bunch little albino corycats. The guy there said they hated the things cause no one wants them. I bought their collection for 20 dollars and took them home. Got them on algae wafers and brine shrimp. I think I saw them and maybe could have been more diligent about research first but the guy said he was thinking of feeding them to a big fish he had at home. Made me sad cause they are neat looking little dudes. Anyways I retro activley researched them using the poor info I recieved at the store to cross reference. Soon I discovered that they need good water movement. I have a couple of "bubblers" on a powerhead for a 110 gallon tank (Tank is 40 Gallon). The attachments for it allow me to regulate airflow so I turned it full as to try to up water movement. Also have a penguin 55 gallon bio wheel filter so some water flow from that. I have lots of cover for the little guys I will admit they are with 3 fancy goldfish (I know I will recieve some **** about overcrowding. and maybe not ideal tank mates). Am I short on water movement? Is there any other tips I should get about keeping the little guys? Like I say maybe a bit of an impulse buy but I hated the thought of a fish I had only seen in an LFS once going to the belly of someones big carnivore fish.
Actually, hillies are not suitable tankmates for goldies. They do require powerful water movements as this is their way of trying to relax. Without it, they become agitated much like we do if everything is standstill. Separate the goldfish and try to replace them with danios, rasboras and barbs which will appreciate the currents more than the goldies can.
Hillies also like their water clean so adding poo machines like goldfish is really a bad idea. Goldfish can easily outcompete the hillies for food as well. If you haven't tried culturing green algae yet for these guys, try it. It is fun.
Hillies also like their water clean so adding poo machines like goldfish is really a bad idea. Goldfish can easily outcompete the hillies for food as well. If you haven't tried culturing green algae yet for these guys, try it. It is fun.
the goldfish are also likely to harrass the loaches with the constant digging around looking for food in the substrate.
The goldfish don't bother the little guys at all they don't even hang out in the same spots and I have offered them algae everyone seems happy. I just need to know best way to create water movement for them. I am also breeding brine shrimp for everyone. Like I said I know everyone is going to crap on me for it but lets see about creating good situations for both until I find a new home for one. They were in tanks with little water movement much less than mine and unfortunatley my girlfriend and I purchased on impulse. So until I have time and money to setup up yet another tank they are mates for a little while. Now anything anyone can add based on those criteria would be greatly appreciated.
polarbear;2438432; said:
maybe now they don't, but the goldfish will be significantly bigger and bulkier and they will be a nuisance for the loach
Ok when the goldfish become bigger and bulkier I'll find them a home. lol how about dealing in the hear and now and offering me some positive help. Not trying to be an *** but how about a little help as opposed to the negative feedback that does me no good.
As long as there is some good movement in the tank, it should be fine. Don't need to overkill on the movement.