Polka Dot Hillstream Loach

The polka dot butterfly loach, or hillstream loach, comes from the island of Borneo and is also called the Borneo sucker. The most striking feature of this freshwater loach, besides its unusual UFO profile, is the fine spotted pattern. Freshwater loaches are hardy and feed on just about anything and are quite the sight hanging on the other side of the aquarium glass eating algae (FYI, they are great aquarium algae eaters). Hillstream loaches do not tolerate acidic low-pH water or high temperatures, so no discus tanks. Otherwise, these are outstanding community fish and can even be kept with fancy shrimp.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Hillstream loaches come from fast, clear mountain streams. Give them smooth rocks, strong current, lots of oxygen and cool water. They graze on algae, so a mature tank with algae-covered rocks is ideal.

Feeding: Hillstream loaches graze on algae. Also feed algae wafers or sinking pellets.

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.