Tiger Hillstream Loach

The tiger hillstream loach (Sewellia lineolata) comes from fast, shallow, rocky streams in Vietnam and looks the part: a flattened, almost ray-like body patterned in dark tiger striping over gold, with broad pectoral and pelvic fins that spread out sideways and hold the fish flat against rock. It grips surfaces in current and grazes across them, and it is one of the few aquarium fish that genuinely prefers a strong flow.

Aquarium care

• A small, flattened loach that clings to rock and glass.
• Peaceful, though individuals joust over grazing patches.
• Keep a small group.
• Needs cool, fast, highly oxygenated water. Warm, still tanks do not suit it.
• Feeds on biofilm and algae growing on hard surfaces; supplement with sinking wafers and frozen foods.
• Wants smooth rounded stones and a mature tank with established biofilm.

Ideal for a dedicated hillstream or river tank with other current-loving fish such as white cloud minnows or other hillstream loaches. It does poorly in a warm, sluggish community tank, so set the tank up for it rather than adding it to what you already have.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the current loach and botia list.