All fish / Gastromyzontidae

Sewellia albisuera

Sewellia albisuera

Also known as white-seam hillstream loach, white seam sewellia, albisuera loach, hillstream loach, butterfly loach

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This is a small hillstream loach with a flattened body and broad pectoral and pelvic fins that work like suckers, so it can grip rocks in fast water. Its body is pale to golden brown with dark spots and bars, and the fin edges have a thin white margin. Keepers like it because it moves around a lot as it grazes, and it suits stream-style tanks with smooth stones and a strong current.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

20 to 24 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

Omnivore: biofilm and algae, plus sinking pellets, algae wafers, and frozen bloodworm or daphnia

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Central Vietnam (Thua Thien-Hue province hill streams)

Breeding

It has been bred in aquariums that are mature and well oxygenated, with plenty of biofilm. The eggs are scattered over the gravel and the parents give no care. The fry grow slowly and grazing on biofilm in an established tank gives them the best chance.

Good to know

It needs cool, clean, fast-moving water with plenty of oxygen, so do not keep it in warm, still tanks. It is easy to mistake for Sewellia lineolata and other Sewellia species, which are often sold under the same trade names.