Hillstream Loach/Sewellia lineolata/algae eater/越南琵琶鼠/金线琵琶鼠

DOA claim upon open carton video/photo taking.(please do not open package if any dead fish found!!! snap photo/video of the inner plastic packaging and inform seller for refund!!)Remember must :0.. make sure the water tank is friendly for fish, chlorine free, water parameter and tempreture suit for fish.Normalisation tempreture,can steep the plastic packaging onto water tank last for 5 minutes.let the fish segment adapt into new water environment, open package, add in slowly tank water into plastic bag (roughly 25% of original base water level of plastic bag) do not block the air, open top packaging last for 5 minutes. observe the fish breath/respiration condition if no rapidly and comfortable, i. than can continue add in another quater of water, after that last for 5 minutes.ii. if fish still breath/respiration rapidly or uncomfortable, last for 5 minutes and continue observe until fishes has breath normal and comfortable, than the next top up water level should be lesser than (25%).repeating the add in water process until 75-85% of packaging, than can release the fish into new environment.This beautiful little fish makes a great addition as a bottom feeder to any aquarium. They are sometimes referred to as the Vietnamese loach for obvious reasons and they can be found for sale at very reasonable prices.They originate from waterways that have high oxygen levels so this needs to be replicated in the aquarium, careful positioning of the filter outlets will increase gaseous exchange if they are aimed at the water surface. Power heads can also be added to increase the water flow which these fish love. The substrate should be sandy or a small sized gravel but makes sure that it is smooth without any rough edges which could injure the fish.The Hillstream loach should never be added to an aquarium that isn’t fully cycled and even longer to allow some algal growth providing a food source for these fish. Bright lighting will also encourage algae which is a must to keep these fish long term, if the algae level drops the loach can become a victim of malnutrition.Regular water changes should also be performed to keep the water quality high and always use a tight fitting lid as they are excellent escape artists.Although the Hillstream loach is not aggressive to tank mates that occupy the higher levels, other bottom feeders should be avoided as they are highly competitive for food and squabbles will occur.FeedingThe Hillstream loach loves to graze on algae and this plays an important part of their diet, do not be tempted to keep a spotless aquarium if keeping these fish. Adding plants may also encourage extra algal growth on the leaves to provide a further supply. You can also offer them a vegetable diet of chopped spinach, spirulina flake etc. to supplement if the algal colonies are decreasing.When purchasing these fish make sure that they are active and do not have sunken bellies as this is a sure sign that they are undernourished.BreedingThere has been a lot of success breeding the Hillstream loach it just requires giving them the correct conditions to do so. Use an air driven sponge filter to keep the water quality high and use gravel for the substrate in the breeding tank. Raise the temperature of the water by a few degrees and this should trigger the spawning. The male will display to the female enticing her into the water column where they will eventually entwine releasing the eggs and milt into the water column.The eggs will gradually sink to the bottom of the aquarium and a few days later they will hatch. Once the fry are free swimming they should be fed on Infusoria until they are large enough to accept other foods.Common Name: Tiger Hillstream LoachScientific name: Sewellia LineolataWild Origin: ChinaMaximum Size: 6-7.5 cmHillstream Loach Care:Tank Parameters Required:pH – 6.6 to 7.5gH – 6 to 12kH – 1-2TDS – 100-300Temperature – 22 to 24°C or 68 – 75°FTemperament: Omnivore/Non aggressiveBreeding: Yes, able to breed in captivity.Difficulty: Easy – ModerateInteresting Notes: 100% shrimp safe!The expected lifespan for the Hillstream loach if housed correctly is 5-10 years