All fish / Gastromyzontidae

Marbled Sewellia

Sewellia marmorata

Also known as marbled hillstream loach, marbled reticulated loach, sewellia marmorata, marmorata loach, marbled butterfly loach, セウェリア・マルモラタ, 大理石琵琶鱼

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A small, flattened hillstream loach with a sucker-like body and an attractive pattern of dark marbling over a gold to brown base. It is kept for its unusual look and its habit of grazing over rocks and glass in fast, well-oxygenated water.

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

80 litres

Keep as

Group of 3 or more

Diet

Omnivore: biofilm and algae, plus sinking wafers, bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Central Vietnam (Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Nam provinces)

Breeding

It has been bred in aquariums, usually in mature, stable river-style tanks where eggs are scattered among gravel and fry graze on biofilm. Spawning is often unplanned and is moderately difficult to encourage deliberately.

Good to know

Needs cool, very clean, highly oxygenated water with strong flow and plenty of smooth rocks; avoid warm tropical tanks. Often confused with other Sewellia species such as S. lineolata, which are sold under similar names.