Hillstream Loach

Sewellia lineolata

A unique bottom-dwelling fish with a flattened body shaped like a suction cup, adapted to cling to rocks in fast-moving streams. Fascinating to watch and excellent algae grazers.

Care Parameters

Adult size

6 cm

Min tank

60 L

Temperature

22–28°C

6.5–7.5

4–12 dGH

Diet

Herbivore

Temperament

Peaceful

Water zone

Bottom

Difficulty

Intermediate

Schooling

Groups of 3 or more.

Suitable Plants

Bacopa caroliniana

A hardy, straightforward stem plant with thick, oval leaves on upright stems. One of the easiest background plants, tolerating a wide range of conditions and requiring minimal maintenance.

Cabomba caroliniana

Care profile for Cabomba caroliniana: medium light, medium CO₂, beginner difficulty.

Ludwigia arcuata

A delicate stem plant with thin, needle-like leaves that turn deep red under high light. Also known as Needle Leaf Ludwigia, it adds fine texture and vibrant color to aquascapes.

Ambulia

Care profile for Ambulia: medium light, low CO₂, beginner difficulty.

Myriophyllum

A graceful stem plant with feathery, comb-like leaves that create a soft, flowing background effect. Also known as Parrot's Feather, it adds delicate texture to aquascapes.

Compatible Invertebrates

Rabbit Snail

A large, striking freshwater snail with a conical shell and colorful body. Comes in orange, yellow, and dark variants. Active algae and detritus consumer, but slow breeder.

Vampire Shrimp

A large, impressive freshwater shrimp with fan-like appendages used to filter feed from the current. Can grow up to 15 cm and requires strong water flow and clean, well-oxygenated water.

Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp

A stunning red and white striped shrimp from the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Unlike most Caridina, it thrives in warm, alkaline water (pH 7.5-8.5, 26-30°C).

Zebra Nerite Snail

A striped, hard-working algae grazer that never overpopulates: its eggs are laid all over the glass but only hatch in brackish water, so they simply stay put. Prefers harder water (GH 6-20 dGH) with calcium for a healthy shell; watch for escapes, as it can climb out of open tanks.