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Freshwater fishHillstream Loach
Hillstream Loach
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The regular butterfly loach, or Chinese hillstream loach, has a narrower body than the reticulated hillstream loach. The color pattern is subtly light-banded. Normally hillstream loaches are gathered on rocks of swift-flowing streams in China, and their unusual flat, wide fins are perfectly suited to this environment. Freshwater loaches are hardy and feed on just about anything and are quite the sight hanging on the other side of the aquarium glass.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Jinshaia sinensis (as listed) |
| Origin | China |
| Care Level | Moderate (needs cool, fast, oxygen-rich water) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Adult Size | Up to 3" |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years |
| Diet | Algae and biofilm grazer (plus small frozen foods) |
| Water Temperature | 68–75°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons (long) with strong current |
| Group Size | Group of 3 or more |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 2" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Hillstream loaches come from fast, clear mountain streams. Give them a long tank with smooth rocks, strong current (a powerhead or river-tank setup), lots of oxygen and cool water. They graze biofilm, so a mature tank with algae-covered rocks is ideal. Change about 25–30% of the water every week.
Feeding: Hillstream loaches graze biofilm and algae. Supplement with algae wafers, sinking pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms and daphnia.
Tankmates: Hillstream loaches do well with peaceful fish that like cool, flowing water, such as white clouds, danios, rasboras and dwarf shrimp. Avoid tropical fish that need warm water.
Good to know: Hillstream loaches cling to rocks and glass with their flat, sucker-like bodies, just like they do in fast mountain streams.
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