Reticulated Hillstream Loach

The reticulated butterfly loach, or reticulated hillstream loach, has a broader body than the standard hillstream loach. The most striking feature of this freshwater loach, besides its unusually flat profile, is the fine-line color pattern, called reticulation. 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

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.