Beaufortia kweichowensis

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Hillstream Loach
Pair of Hillstream loaches
Species Beaufortia kweichowensis
Difficulty Difficult
Min. Tank Size 21.134 US Gallon
80,000 mL

80 L (21.1)

Size 3.937 in

4-10 cm (1.6-3.9")

pH 6.5 - 7
Temp. 291.15 K
64.4 °F
524.07 °R

297.15 K
75.2 °F
534.87 °R18 -24 °C (64.4-75.2°F)

Water Hardness

?-10

Stocking Ratio 1:1 M:F
Availability Uncommon
Diet

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods

Life Span

?-6 years

Contents

[edit] Alternative names

Borneo Sucker, Borneo Sucking Loach, Butterfly Pleco, Butterfly Loach, Chinese Hillstream Loach, UFO Pleco, Chinese Devilsucker, Hong Kong Pleco
It should be noted that this fish is not a Pleco.

[edit] Sexing

Very difficult to sex, during breeding it is possible that males have more vivid colouration.

[edit] Tank compatibility

Will not harm other fish. The Hillstream Loach is normally classified as a bottom feeder, but typically spends most of its time on the glass unless it is provided rocks and smooth surfaces to graze upon.

[edit] Diet

Eats algae and the micro organisms that live in it. Will take flake, bottom feeder/algae wafers, shrimp pellets, and bloodworms.

[edit] Feeding regime

Constantly grazes the tank for algae, but best to supplement food daily or every other day.

[edit] Environment Specifics

Absolutely requires very fast current and high oxygen levels at low aquarium temperatures 18-24°C (64.4-75.2°F) . This is considered a fragile fish because so many ignore these requirements. It is highly recommended that one read and apply Martin Thoene's profile and river tank article before considering this fish (See link below). Has very slow growth rate in captivity.

[edit] Behaviour

Can be semi aggressive to conspecifics and other bottom/glass dwellers, but plenty of grazing areas allows for multiple hillstreams. Does not mind other fish.

[edit] Identification

A flat bellied fish with very low profile, the Hillstream loach's body type is clearly built for fast water. Its yellow-brown body appears covered in black polka dots. Dorsal and anal fins are transparent with opaque stripes.

[edit] Pictures

Underside of a Hillstream loach

Hillstream loach on a stone

Hillstream loach on a stone

Hillstream loach grazing on a vegetable

[edit] External links

Facts about Beaufortia kweichowensis
Availability Uncommon
Common name Hillstream Loach
Diet Omnivore  +
Difficulty Difficult
Family Balitoridae  +
Foods Pellet Food  +, and Flake Food  +
Maximum Size 3.937 in (10 cm)  +
Maximum age 6  +
Maximum hardness 10  +
Maximum pH 7  +
Maximum temperature 297.15 K (24 °C, 75.2 °F, 534.87 °R)  +
Minimum Tank Size 21.134 US Gallon (80 liters, 80,000 mL)  +
Minimum pH 6.5  +
Minimum temperature 291.15 K (18 °C, 64.4 °F, 524.07 °R)  +
Scientific name Beaufortia kweichowensis
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