Hillstream loach care
Water temperature
68–75°F
Hillstream loaches do best at 68–75°F and pH 6.5–7.5. Plan on 20 gallons or more. Good tank mates include zebra danios, guppies, paradise fish.
Needs strong flow, oxygen and cooler water than most tropicals.
Sewellia lineolata
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Minimum tank
- 20 gal
- Adult size
- 2.5 in
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Group
- Groups of 3+
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Swims at
- Bottom
- Diet
- Herbivore
Best tank mates
Zebra danioYes
GuppyYes
Paradise fishYes
Gold barbYes
Cherry shrimpYes
Rosy barbYes
Black skirt tetraYes
Tiger barbYes
Odessa barbYes
Honey gouramiYes
Panda coryYes
Mystery snailYes
Full hillstream loach tank mate chart: 49 yes, 30 with care, 19 no
Hillstream loach water compared
Fish to keep away from hillstream loaches
- Betta No shared temperature. Bettas need 76–82°F, hillstream loaches need 68–75°F.
- Axolotl Axolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); hillstream loaches need 68–75°F. No temperature suits both.
- Angelfish No shared temperature. Angelfish need 76–84°F, hillstream loaches need 68–75°F.
- Oscar An adult oscar eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2.5 inches hillstream loaches do.
- Jack Dempsey An adult jack dempsey eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2.5 inches hillstream loaches do.
- Discus No shared temperature. Discus need 82–88°F, hillstream loaches need 68–75°F.
- Pearl gourami No shared temperature. Hillstream loaches need 68–75°F, pearl gouramis need 77–82°F.
- Blood parrot No shared temperature. Hillstream loaches need 68–75°F, blood parrots need 76–80°F.
More loaches
Questions
What temperature do hillstream loaches need?
68–75 °F. Keep it steady with a heater.
What size tank does a hillstream loach need?
At least 20 gallons for a group. Adults reach about 2.5 inches.
How many hillstream loaches should I keep?
Groups of 3+. They do not need a group.
What fish can live with hillstream loaches?
Zebra danios, Guppies, Paradise fish, Gold barbs, Cherry shrimp, Rosy barbs, among others. See the full list of 49 good matches.