Tiger Hillstream Loach Care Guide
Sewellia pterolineata is a striped hillstream loach needing strong flow and oxygen, grazing biofilm from rocks in fast Mekong streams.
Overview
Sewellia pterolineata is a hillstream loach marked by a bold horizontal striped pattern. Its depressed, laterally expanded body allows it to adhere to rocks against strong current. The species requires powerful flow and high oxygenation to thrive.
Taxonomy
- Family: Balitoridae
- Genus: Sewellia
- Scientific name: Sewellia pterolineata
Habitat
Sewellia inhabit fast-flowing mountain streams of the Mekong drainage in Laos and Vietnam, including the Sekong River. They live in rapids and riffles with very high current velocity over rocky substrate, where biofilm forms on submerged stones. These headwaters are cool and rich in dissolved oxygen.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 20-25 °C (68-77 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Water flow: high, well-oxygenated
- Group size: 4 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
The species is a herbivore that grazes biofilm and benthic algae from rocks, together with associated micro-organisms. Aquaria should provide algae-covered surfaces; supplementary algae wafers and blanched vegetables help maintain condition.
Compatibility
It is peaceful and best kept in a group, which spreads out mild territorial behaviour. Suitable companions are other hillstream loaches and fish adapted to fast, cool, oxygen-rich water; slow-water species are not appropriate.
Conservation status
By the genus account, Sewellia pterolineata is listed as Endangered, reflecting pressures on its limited stream habitat.