Reticulated Hillstream Loach
Country of Origin: 🇮🇩IndonesiaHillstream Loach
Background Information
Hillstream Loaches, also known as Vietnamese Loaches and scientifically as Sewellia lineolata, are some of the most stunningly beautiful marked Asian loaches. They are native to the rocky, fast-flowing creeks and streams in Northern and Central Vietnam.
These loaches can live for an average of 8-10 years and grow to over 2.5 inches in length. They display a characteristic deep brown color with white, light brown, or yellow markings.
These freshwater fishes are adapted for life in fast-moving waters, possessing modified anal and pectoral fins that form a natural suction cup. This adaptation enables Hillstream Loaches to climb rock faces and waterfalls, attaching to surfaces firmly while remaining protected against strong currents.
The Hillstream Loach needs slightly cooler aquarium temperatures, well-oxygenated water, and medium-to-strong water current to thrive. They prefer a stabilized pH of 6.8-7.8 and excellent water quality with very low nitrate content. Live plants help to keep the nitrate content low.
Tankmates
These fish are curious, social, and non-aggressive and do well with other peace-loving fish species of a similar size. However, they do not get along with fin nippers.
An excellent companion species for this freshwater fish include Goldfish, Danios, Tetras, Snails, and Shrimp. They also tolerate schooling fish and live plants extremely well and make an excellent addition to community tanks because of their peaceful nature.
When buying Hillstream Loaches, try to purchase them in schools of three or more as they thrive in groups.
Feeds and Feeding
Hillstream Loaches are omnivorous grazers and generally eat Repashy gel food, fish flakes, pellets, and algae wafers. They love feeding on biofilm and live algae and will eat most live foods, including tubifex worms, insect larvae, daphnia, and live and frozen brine shrimp.
FAQ
Do Hillstream Loaches jump out of tanks?
Hillstream Loaches, like all loaches, are notorious for jumping out of the fish tank. If you plan to keep these fish, ensure that your tank has a glass lid, hood, or canopy to keep the fish inside. You may also mesh-top the tank if it's open top to stop this jumping activity.
Why are my Hillstream Loaches hiding?
Hillstream loaches hide when they experience stress or sense predators (such as humans) in the vicinity. They may hide initially when a person enters the room, but once they are sure of their safety, they will often emerge, typically after a few minutes.
DOA Policy
While this is a rare occurrence, it can and will happen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that every one will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fish arrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag within 2 hours of the delivery time of your fish. We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem.
We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We can replace fish but shipping costs is the responsibilityof the buyer. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures,within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolve the issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
Shipping Policy
Most Shipments will be UPS Next Day Air unless otherwise noted. Processing fish for your order can take up to 2 business days. This is to ensure your fish and healthy, happy, and ready to be put in your tank when it arrives. We ship fish on Mondays- Wednesday (excluding holidays) to ensure fish arrive before weekends. This allows us to completely prepare the fish for shipping and ensure they are healthy prior to arrive at your door. All fish will be shipped with oxygenated water and specific additives in the water to ensure they maintain their health and stability during shipment. Depending on the species of fish and current weather conditions, the fish may arrive with a heat pack or ice pack to maintain the optimal temperature which further ensures the health and safety of your fish. All costs of shipping (postage, packaging,heat/ice packs, etc.) are included in the Shipping fee. We ship to only the continental United States.
FAQ
"The fish I received do not look like the fish in thepicture. Why is this?"
- We typically take photographs of one or two fish when we initially get them in. Since we have a large quantity of most of the various species of fish, it would be understandably impossible to provide a picture ofevery individual fish with a specific species. For some of our more rare orlarger fish, the picture listed may be the actual fish that you are receiving.If this is the case, it will be designated by ?WYSIWYG?, meaning ?what you see,is what you get?.
"What happens if my fish arrive dead?"
- While this is a rare occurrence, it can and willhappen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that everyone will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fisharrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag.We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem. We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We will reship any replacement fish at the buyer's expense. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures, within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolvethe issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
"What if I'm not home when the fish arrive?"
- We will always provide you with a tracking number. While the fish are packaged to survive about 72+ hours within the shipping containers, we do ask that you make arrangements to arrive home to inspect your fish as soon as possible after they are delivered to your home. Itis always suggested to provide an area for the delivery person to place the boxthat is out of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
"What do I do with my fish once I've unpacked them?"
- Like you would with any new fish, let the entire bag float in your tank for 15-30 minutes. This allows the temperature withinthe bag to adjust to the same as your tank and will reduce temperature shock onthe fish. After this time, you can add all of the fish and water that is in thebag into your tank. The products used within the water for shipping will notharm any existing fish within your tank and actually makes the transition foryour new fish a bit easier. After this, expect your new fish to take a few daysto become fully adjusted, this includes hiding, floating at the top, sinking tothe bottom, and not eating. After a few days, your new fish should be acting aswimming like they normally would. At this point, enjoy your aquarium!
"I want to return my new fish because x,y,z?"
- Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns.We do recommend contacting us via email with yourorder number and as much information as possible. We will try to assist you inresolving whatever the issue may be.