Reticulate Hillstream Loach

Sewellia lineolata is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful hillstream loaches available to the hobby. Its flattened body is covered in a precise cream-and-brown reticulated pattern, and it uses its enlarged ventral surface to cling to smooth boulders in powerful current. In a well-set-up hillstream biotope with strong flow and high oxygenation, it will display breeding behaviour and may even spawn.

Water: 20-24°C, pH 7.0-8.0, cool, highly oxygenated, very strong flow. Tank: Minimum 80 L, smooth rounded boulders, minimal sand, powerhead for flow. Feeding: Grazes biofilm; supplement with algae wafers, blanched vegetables. Behaviour: Active during the day on open rock surfaces; males spar for territories. Compatibility: Peaceful; ideal with hillstream-adapted loaches and small danios.