Reticulated Hillstream Sucker - Sewellia lineolata

The Reticulated Hillstream Sucker is an interesting fish. It has a flattened body with wide, modified pectoral and ventral fins that it can use to attach to rocks, glass and other surfaces like a suction cup. The body is dark brown and is covered with golden or tan markings forming spots and rings when viewed from above.

The Reticulated Hillstream Sucker is often mistaken for a type of pleco, but it is actually a species of loach. It prefers well-oxygenated water and stronger currents. For this reason it is important to provide an efficient filtration system as well as pump to create a current if necessary.

Reticulated Hillstream Suckers are also sensitive to poor water quality, so be sure to maintain regular water changes. These fish are peaceful and can be kept with most community species. Do not keep this fish with nippy or aggressive tankmates as they are not very good at defending themselves and will be easily injured. They can be kept in groups or alone.

Hillstream loaches will sometimes defend a small territory against others of their own kind, but the competition is normally confined to "butting" heads. Hillstream loaches feed on algae, small invertebrates and detritus. In the aquarium they will also eat sinking pellets and leftover food they find. Provide some hiding places such as small caves or driftwood.