White-cheek Hillstream Loach Care Guide
Sewellia albisuera is a flattened hillstream loach adapted to fast, oxygen-rich streams, grazing biofilm and requiring strong current in aquaria.
Overview
Sewellia albisuera is a hillstream loach with a depressed, laterally expanded body that lets it cling to rocks in swift current. Like other members of the genus it has white markings on the cheeks. Its flattened shape is a hydrodynamic adaptation for life in fast-flowing water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Balitoridae
- Genus: Sewellia
- Scientific name: Sewellia albisuera
Habitat
Sewellia species occur in fast-flowing mountain streams of the Mekong drainage in Laos and Vietnam, including the Sekong River. They inhabit rapids and riffles with high current velocity over rocky substrate, where biofilm develops on submerged stones. Such waters are cool and highly oxygenated.
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 and biofilm grazer. In nature its diet is composed largely of benthic algae (aufwuchs) and associated micro-organisms attached to rocks. Aquaria require a plentiful supply of algae-covered surfaces; supplementary algae wafers and blanched vegetables can be offered.
Compatibility
It is peaceful but can be mildly territorial; keeping a group reduces friction. Best companions are other hillstream loaches or species that share the same fast, cool, oxygen-rich conditions. Avoid slow-water fish that cannot tolerate strong current.
Conservation status
By the genus account, Sewellia albisuera is listed as Critically Endangered, reflecting the pressures on its restricted hillstream habitat.