Hillstream Loach a ray-finned fish
The hillstream loach is known by several names such as river loaches and Balitoridae. The scientific name of this fish is “Gastromyzon Punctulas”. This ray-finned fish belongs to the Gastromyzontidae family. The family of small fish from South east and East Asia. The family includes almost 202 species.
The interesting thing about this fish is that it sold as ‘lizardfish’ in Germany. Many of the family species are known for acquria. The loaches have number of similaities with their sibling family “Cobitidae”. The important information for the acquriast is not confused between loricariids and river loaches. Both belongs to different families. The former one belongs to catfish family.
Moreover , most the species of the family live in clear and well oxygenated stream. While some of the species lives in fast flowing stream and have ventral fins for clining the rocks.
Reticulated Hillstream Loach special finned fish
The scientific name of reticulated hillstream loach is Sewellia lineolata. This fish specie is from the provinces of Thua Thien-Hua and Quang Nam in Vietnam.
Sewellia Lineolata fish is also known by the name of “Tiger Hillstream Loach”. This specie fish also belongs to Gastromyzontidae family. reticulated hillstream loach fish found in fast-flowing and highly oxygenated headwater that have streches of riffles broken up by water falls.
Difference Between Hillstream Loach & Reticulated Hillstream Loach
The only difference between the two is that the former one is the ray-finned fish. The later one is the special fin of tiger finned fish. Their fines are especially develop that they can attach themselves with the rock.
Moreover, the size of the Hillstream Loach fish is 6 cm. While the size of reticulated hillstream loach is 6.4 cm slightly longer than the former one. The feeding of former fish is algae water, catfish pellets and flakes, while the later cannot srvive on algea only. So you should make sure that they variety of high quality food. Such as repashy gel food, and blanched vegetables.
The life span of Balitoridae is 8-10 years or also depending on if they are take care properly or not. The life span of Sewellia lineolata is also approximatly up to 10 years. The water condition for both should be 68F-75F and they are best to keep in 50 gallon tank.
The last but not the least difference between the two is that Balitoridae is broader term to refereing the family while the Sewellia lineolata is the specific specie within that family.
Breeding
The important question arises in the mind of aquarist about these species is their breeding. Many species cannot be bred in the home acqurium. However, some Hillstream Loach lover have success in breeding one specie. There is a countership display where male fish try to attract the female fish with a ‘dance’. If female fish is interested she stays close, then male fish builds a nest where she lays eggs. The eggs will fertilize and hatch in 2 weeks. Parental care is associated in this, both parents and offspring lives together that makes the breeding easy.
Whereas, to bred the reticulated hillstream loach should have the mature tank with plenty of algae, hiding spots and high quality food. Protect them by filter intake and feed them the tiny lives and powdered food. Most importantly by using the breeding box can helps the aquarist to protect them from predators.
Apperance
The apperance of both Hillstream Loach and Reticulated Hillstream Loach is eye-catching. They are often called catfish and mini-ray fish. Their bodies are in intricate pattern, which make them attractive. Whereas, the tiger hillstream loach is have light grayish-yellow base with black strips like tiger. Their strips appare linear on tail and aslo on dorsal fines.
At last…..
This is enough to say that both Balitoridae and Sewellia lineolata are loved for their distinct looks, calm and peacful nature. There apparence makes them facinating to watch. Both belongs to same family but have have slightly distinct features related to their size, food, appearance, and bred. They are beginner friendly but should be take care with good tank, water and food quality.
If you need any further assistance, help is available and you are encourage to explore more fish species guide with us.
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