All fish / Gastromyzontidae

Elongate Reticulated Hillstream Loach

Sewellia elongata

Also known as elongated sewellia, elongate hillstream loach, sewellia elongata, gold ring butterfly loach, hillstream loach, butterfly loach, stream loach, セウェリア・エロンガタ, 长身蝴蝶鱼, 长身琵琶鼠

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A flattened, sucker-shaped loach that clings to stones in fast water, with a slimmer body than its relatives and a tan to golden background marked with dark spots and rings. Hobbyists keep it for its unusual look and its habit of grazing algae and biofilm off rocks and glass in river-style tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

18 to 24 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Group of 4 or more

Diet

Omnivore: biofilm and algae, plus sinking pellets, algae wafers and small frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Vietnam (Sekong and upper Mekong tributaries, central Vietnam)

Breeding

It has been bred in aquariums that are mature, cool and well oxygenated. The eggs are scattered among gravel and rocks, and the fry graze biofilm, so a lot of established surface area helps them survive.

Good to know

It needs cool, very clean water with strong flow and plenty of oxygen, and does poorly in warm, still tanks. It is often mixed up with Sewellia lineolata and other hillstream loaches, so check the shipment before buying.