Reticulated Hillstream Loach

About

The Reticulated Hillstream Loach is a flattened, sucker-bodied fish from cool, turbulent, highly oxygenated streams in central Vietnam. Its disc-like ventral profile and modified fins let it cling to smooth rocks in fierce current while it grazes the film of algae and micro-organisms known as aufwuchs. Strikingly patterned with a maze of dark reticulations, it needs a mature tank, strong laminar flow and near-river oxygen levels, which places it firmly in the intermediate-to-advanced bracket.

Care

Provide strong flow, cool oxygen-rich water and smooth rocks coated in biofilm/algae; keep a small group and feed vegetable-based foods.

Diet

Aufwuchs grazer that rasps algae and biofilm from hardscape; supplement with algae wafers, blanched vegetables and occasional frozen bloodworm.

Sources

• Seriously Fish — Sewellia lineolata
• Aquarium Co-Op — Hillstream Loach Care Guide