Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis)

The Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Butterfly Algae Eater, Butterfly Hillstream Loach, Hong-Kong Pleco, Butterfly loach, Butterfly Pleco, Chinese Butterfly Loach, Chinese Hillstream Loach and Chinese Sucker is found in the fast flowing inland rivers and streams of China, Southeast Asia, and India.

Known from the Xi River in China; the Hillstream Loach prefers cool, fast moving, oxygen rich waters with rocky substrates where they can be seen clinging to smooth rocks with their suction like bellies or cruising along the bottom in search of algae and biofilm.

Beaufortia kweichowensis is a shy, peaceful, bottom dwelling species that have a sucker type mouth with short, tiny barbells, flat undersides, and a flattened tapered body with wing like pectoral fins that enable them to cling to rocks and other smooth surfaces in the fast flowing rivers and streams of their range.

Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis)

The Hillstream loach has a light brown to grayish yellow body color with thick black protruding stripes that become more linear on the dorsal and caudal fins. A more common variety called the Spotted Loach, has small spots over the body and pectoral fins.

The Hillstream Loach can be housed in a tank as small as 20 gallons but is better suited for a tank of at least 55 gallons with a sandy substrate covered with various sizes of smooth river rocks and pebbles made into hiding spots and caves, and decorated with some driftwood.   Plants like Anubias or Java Moss can be included for shelter and biofilm growth.

Because the Hillstream Loach requires cooler water temperatures and a strong current to thrive, an aquarium chiller along with at least one power head is recommended to replicate their natural environment. Some tropical fish keeping enthusiasts add floating or rooted plants that tolerate medium to low light for decoration.

The Hillstream Loach does best in small groups of 3 to 4 individuals and get along well with almost all non aggressive species like barbs, tetras, rasboras, and catfish.

Suitable tankmates include White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Borneo Suckers, Cherry Barbs, Danios, Neon Tetras, Guppies, Corydoras, small Plecos, and Nerite snails.

Although Hillstream Loaches have been bred in an aquarium environment, determining when and how they will breed is extremely challenging.

Beaufortia kweichowensis are egg layers that require pristine water conditions, a well cycled, well established tank with fast moving water, and specific water parameters to breed.

Once an acceptable environment is established with a suitable spawning site such as a smooth rock or flat stone, introduce the breeding pair. Because Hillstream Loaches are not known for the breeding habits in an aquarium environment, it is impossible to predict when or how they will spawn. Spawning can be encouraged by increasing the water flow and feeding the pair live or frozen foods.

When ready to spawn, the male will dance around the female to get her attention. If she is interested, she will stay near the male and together construct a nest by digging into the substrate. The female will lay her eggs in the nest or on a flat surface where it is fertilized by the male. Eggs typically hatch out in 4 to 6 days and the small fry will be free swimming in about a week or so. The tiny fry can be fed infusoria and newly hatched brine shrimp until the are able to forage on their own.

In their natural environment, Hillstream Loaches feed on algae and biofilm on the surfaces of the rocks. In an aquarium environment, they can be fed quality algae wafers, blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and occasionally some protein like brine shrimp, frozen bloodworms or daphnia. Small portions should be offered in small amounts throughout the day instead of one big meal.

The Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis) is available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of retailers and online sellers at approximate purchase sizes: 1″ – 2 1/2″ with prices starting at $14.99 – $34.99. Individuals have variable color and shape depending on their sex, age, and area of collection.

Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis)

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 68°F-75°F, 6.5 – 7.5, 5-12 dGH
Max. Size: 3”
Color Form: Brown, Black, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Good community tank fish
Origin: China
Family: Balitoridae
life span of about 5-7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate/Expert