Splendid Hillstream Loach

Splendid Hillstream Loach

Splendid Hillstream Loach (Sewellia patella) is a flat, disc-shaped hillstream loach from the fast mountain streams of central Vietnam. Fish in the genus Sewellia are often called "splendid hillstream loaches" because of their bold, high-contrast markings — a dark pattern over a lighter body, with broad, fan-shaped paired fins that lie flat against rock. The species name patella comes from the limpet (Patella): the fins and underside together form a sucker-like disc, and the fish looks very much like a limpet clinging to stone. It was described in 2000 by Freyhof and Serov in their review of the genus, and it is much less common in the hobby than its well-known relative, the Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata).

Feeding & Care Tip: Live algae and biofilm growing on rocks and glass are the primary food source — see the algae requirement note above. Supplement with Hikari Mini Algae Wafers placed directly on rocks and blanched zucchini or spinach. Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp can be offered very sparingly as an occasional protein supplement. Strong water flow and high oxygenation are as important as food for these fish.

⚠ Algae & Biofilm Requirement: Like Otocinclus catfish and Stiphodon gobies, hillstream loaches and Borneo suckers are specialized algae and biofilm grazers. They cannot survive without established live algae and biofilm growing on rocks, glass, and hardscape. A tank without significant algae growth will not support these fish regardless of supplemental feeding. Allow algae to establish thoroughly before adding hillstream loaches. Hikari Mini Algae Wafers placed directly on rocks and blanched vegetables supplement but do not replace live algae and biofilm growth.

Native to fast-flowing, clear, well-oxygenated mountain streams in Vietnam. Sewellia patella lives in even faster water than S. lineolata — current in its habitat has been measured at 0.6 to more than 1 meter per second — so strong flow and high oxygen are especially important for this species, particularly while it settles in. The aquarium must replicate these conditions: strong filtration creating significant water movement, high oxygenation, rocky substrate and hardscape covered in established algae and biofilm, bright lighting to encourage algae growth, cool to moderate temperatures, and very clean water with low nitrates. These fish are sensitive to elevated nitrates and should never be added to immature aquariums.

Keep in small groups. Peaceful with other hillstream species and cool-water community fish. Strong flow, established algae, and rocky hardscape are essential.

Watching a Splendid Hillstream Loach glide across a rock and then lock down flat against it, fins spread, is one of the most unusual sights in a river-style aquarium — and a group grazing the hardscape together keeps the rock and glass clean of soft algae.

Care & Ideal Parameters

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