Hillstream Loach

Sewellia lineolata

Also sold as Reticulated hillstream loach · Tiger hillstream loach · Gold ring butterfly sucker · Vietnamese hillstream loach · Sewellia

Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 6 cm (2.4 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 68–75°F (20–24°C) and pH 6.5–7.5, is kept in groups of 3 or more, and needs a tank of at least 80 L (21 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	6 cm (2.4 in)
Minimum tank	80 L (21 gal)
Group size	3 or more
Temperature	68–75°F (20–24°C)
pH	6.5–7.5
Temperament	Peaceful
GH	5–15
Lifespan	8–10 years
Eats shrimp	No

Before it goes in

Hillstream Loach needs at least 80 L (21 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 60H Tall.
Keep 3 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
It holds at 68–75°F (20–24°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with German Blue Ram and Discus.
It grazes algae hard, which is most of the reason people buy it.
Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
A group of 3 takes up roughly 31% of what a 60H Tall will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 80 L (21 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 60H Tall.

How many should I keep?

3 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.

Will it eat shrimp?

No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.

What water does it want?

68–75°F (20–24°C), pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15.

How long does it live?

8–10 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Can it go in a new tank?

No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Hillstream Loach	Dwarf Chain Loach	Butterfly Hillstream Loach
Adult size	6 cm	6 cm	7.5 cm
Min tank	80 L	75 L	54 L
Group	3+	6+	6+
Temperature	68–75°F (20–24°C)	75–82°F (24–28°C)	61–75°F (16–24°C)
Eats shrimp	No	Yes	Shrimplets only

More livestock

Plan a tank with Hillstream Loach →

Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026