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About the Longfin Hillstream Loach

The Longfin Hillstream Loach is one of the most fascinating freshwater fish available, admired for its graceful elongated fins, intricate reticulated pattern, and remarkable ability to cling to rocks and aquarium glass. A selectively bred longfin variety of the popular Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata), this species is perfectly adapted to life in fast-flowing mountain streams.

Its flattened body and specially adapted suction-like fins allow it to effortlessly glide across smooth surfaces while grazing on algae and biofilm. The flowing fins of the Longfin variety add an extra level of elegance, making it a true showpiece in river-style aquariums and planted aquascapes.

Longfin Hillstream Loaches thrive in mature aquariums with excellent water quality, strong water movement, high oxygen levels, smooth rocks, driftwood, and abundant biofilm. They are peaceful fish that can be kept in small groups and coexist well with White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Danios, Rainbow Shiners, Corydoras, Gobies, freshwater shrimp, and other peaceful stream-dwelling species.

While they naturally graze algae and biofilm, they also require supplemental feeding with algae wafers, spirulina foods, Repashy gel foods, blanched vegetables, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, and other quality sinking foods.

Unique, peaceful, and incredibly rewarding to keep, the Longfin Hillstream Loach is a standout addition to any cool-water planted aquarium or river biotope.

---

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Sewellia lineolata "Longfin"

Common Name

Longfin Hillstream Loach

Origin

Captive-bred variety of a species native to Vietnam

Adult Size

6–7 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore (Biofilm & Algae Grazer)

Minimum Tank Size

75 Litres

Temperature

20–25°C

pH

6.5–7.8

Water Hardness

2–15 dGH

Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

6–8 Years

Suitable For

River-style aquariums, planted tanks, and peaceful community aquariums

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Longfin Hillstream Loaches eat algae?

Yes. They graze continuously on algae, biofilm, and microorganisms growing on rocks, driftwood, and aquarium glass. They should also receive supplemental foods once natural algae becomes limited.

Do Longfin Hillstream Loaches need strong water flow?

Yes. They naturally inhabit fast-flowing mountain streams and require excellent oxygenation, strong water movement, and pristine water quality.

What do Longfin Hillstream Loaches eat?

They thrive on algae wafers, spirulina foods, Repashy gel foods, blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, and other sinking foods.

Can Longfin Hillstream Loaches live with shrimp?

Yes. They are extremely peaceful and make excellent companions for Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other dwarf shrimp species.

Can Longfin Hillstream Loaches climb glass?

Yes. Their specialised fins act like suction cups, allowing them to cling to glass, rocks, and other smooth surfaces with ease.

---

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in warm aquariums

Longfin Hillstream Loaches prefer cooler, well-oxygenated water. Consistently high temperatures can reduce oxygen levels and cause stress.

Not providing enough water flow

Strong circulation and high dissolved oxygen are essential for replicating their natural habitat.

Adding them to immature aquariums

Established aquariums with natural biofilm and algae provide important grazing opportunities.

Assuming algae is enough food

Supplement their diet with high-quality sinking foods and vegetables once natural algae is depleted.

Using rough substrates

Smooth stones, rounded gravel, and driftwood help protect their delicate underside while encouraging natural grazing behaviour.

About the Longfin Hillstream Loach

The Longfin Hillstream Loach is one of the most fascinating freshwater fish available, admired for its graceful elongated fins, intricate reticulated pattern, and remarkable ability to cling to rocks and aquarium glass. A selectively bred longfin variety of the popular Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata), this species is perfectly adapted to life in fast-flowing mountain streams.

Its flattened body and specially adapted suction-like fins allow it to effortlessly glide across smooth surfaces while grazing on algae and biofilm. The flowing fins of the Longfin variety add an extra level of elegance, making it a true showpiece in river-style aquariums and planted aquascapes.

Longfin Hillstream Loaches thrive in mature aquariums with excellent water quality, strong water movement, high oxygen levels, smooth rocks, driftwood, and abundant biofilm. They are peaceful fish that can be kept in small groups and coexist well with White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Danios, Rainbow Shiners, Corydoras, Gobies, freshwater shrimp, and other peaceful stream-dwelling species.

While they naturally graze algae and biofilm, they also require supplemental feeding with algae wafers, spirulina foods, Repashy gel foods, blanched vegetables, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, and other quality sinking foods.

Unique, peaceful, and incredibly rewarding to keep, the Longfin Hillstream Loach is a standout addition to any cool-water planted aquarium or river biotope.

---

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Sewellia lineolata "Longfin"

Common Name

Longfin Hillstream Loach

Origin

Captive-bred variety of a species native to Vietnam

Adult Size

6–7 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore (Biofilm & Algae Grazer)

Minimum Tank Size

75 Litres

Temperature

20–25°C

pH

6.5–7.8

Water Hardness

2–15 dGH

Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

6–8 Years

Suitable For

River-style aquariums, planted tanks, and peaceful community aquariums

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Longfin Hillstream Loaches eat algae?

Yes. They graze continuously on algae, biofilm, and microorganisms growing on rocks, driftwood, and aquarium glass. They should also receive supplemental foods once natural algae becomes limited.

Do Longfin Hillstream Loaches need strong water flow?

Yes. They naturally inhabit fast-flowing mountain streams and require excellent oxygenation, strong water movement, and pristine water quality.

What do Longfin Hillstream Loaches eat?

They thrive on algae wafers, spirulina foods, Repashy gel foods, blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, and other sinking foods.

Can Longfin Hillstream Loaches live with shrimp?

Yes. They are extremely peaceful and make excellent companions for Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other dwarf shrimp species.

Can Longfin Hillstream Loaches climb glass?

Yes. Their specialised fins act like suction cups, allowing them to cling to glass, rocks, and other smooth surfaces with ease.

---

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in warm aquariums

Longfin Hillstream Loaches prefer cooler, well-oxygenated water. Consistently high temperatures can reduce oxygen levels and cause stress.

Not providing enough water flow

Strong circulation and high dissolved oxygen are essential for replicating their natural habitat.

Adding them to immature aquariums

Established aquariums with natural biofilm and algae provide important grazing opportunities.

Assuming algae is enough food

Supplement their diet with high-quality sinking foods and vegetables once natural algae is depleted.

Using rough substrates

Smooth stones, rounded gravel, and driftwood help protect their delicate underside while encouraging natural grazing behaviour.

About the Longfin Hillstream Loach

The Longfin Hillstream Loach is one of the most fascinating freshwater fish available, admired for its graceful elongated fins, intricate reticulated pattern, and remarkable ability to cling to rocks and aquarium glass. A selectively bred longfin variety of the popular Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata), this species is perfectly adapted to life in fast-flowing mountain streams.

Its flattened body and specially adapted suction-like fins allow it to effortlessly glide across smooth surfaces while grazing on algae and biofilm. The flowing fins of the Longfin variety add an extra level of elegance, making it a true showpiece in river-style aquariums and planted aquascapes.

Longfin Hillstream Loaches thrive in mature aquariums with excellent water quality, strong water movement, high oxygen levels, smooth rocks, driftwood, and abundant biofilm. They are peaceful fish that can be kept in small groups and coexist well with White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Danios, Rainbow Shiners, Corydoras, Gobies, freshwater shrimp, and other peaceful stream-dwelling species.

While they naturally graze algae and biofilm, they also require supplemental feeding with algae wafers, spirulina foods, Repashy gel foods, blanched vegetables, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, and other quality sinking foods.

Unique, peaceful, and incredibly rewarding to keep, the Longfin Hillstream Loach is a standout addition to any cool-water planted aquarium or river biotope.

---

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Sewellia lineolata "Longfin"

Common Name

Longfin Hillstream Loach

Origin

Captive-bred variety of a species native to Vietnam

Adult Size

6–7 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore (Biofilm & Algae Grazer)

Minimum Tank Size

75 Litres

Temperature

20–25°C

pH

6.5–7.8

Water Hardness

2–15 dGH

Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

6–8 Years

Suitable For

River-style aquariums, planted tanks, and peaceful community aquariums

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Longfin Hillstream Loaches eat algae?

Yes. They graze continuously on algae, biofilm, and microorganisms growing on rocks, driftwood, and aquarium glass. They should also receive supplemental foods once natural algae becomes limited.

Do Longfin Hillstream Loaches need strong water flow?

Yes. They naturally inhabit fast-flowing mountain streams and require excellent oxygenation, strong water movement, and pristine water quality.

What do Longfin Hillstream Loaches eat?

They thrive on algae wafers, spirulina foods, Repashy gel foods, blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, and other sinking foods.

Can Longfin Hillstream Loaches live with shrimp?

Yes. They are extremely peaceful and make excellent companions for Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other dwarf shrimp species.

Can Longfin Hillstream Loaches climb glass?

Yes. Their specialised fins act like suction cups, allowing them to cling to glass, rocks, and other smooth surfaces with ease.

---

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in warm aquariums

Longfin Hillstream Loaches prefer cooler, well-oxygenated water. Consistently high temperatures can reduce oxygen levels and cause stress.

Not providing enough water flow

Strong circulation and high dissolved oxygen are essential for replicating their natural habitat.

Adding them to immature aquariums

Established aquariums with natural biofilm and algae provide important grazing opportunities.

Assuming algae is enough food

Supplement their diet with high-quality sinking foods and vegetables once natural algae is depleted.

Using rough substrates

Smooth stones, rounded gravel, and driftwood help protect their delicate underside while encouraging natural grazing behaviour.