Sewellia lineolata

The Reticulated Hillstream Loach is a unique, active bottom-dweller known for its specialized body shape, requiring a well-oxygenated, fast-flowing aquarium. These fascinating fish are native to the fast-moving streams of Asia and have adapted to cling to rocks and other surfaces. In an aquarium, they spend their time grazing on surfaces, searching for algae and microorganisms. They are social creatures that thrive in groups and feel most secure with others of their own kind, so keeping them singly is not recommended. While generally peaceful, they can be territorial among themselves, often engaging in harmless tussles over the best feeding spots. A varied diet of high-quality sinking foods, wafers, and frozen items will keep them healthy. Due to their specific needs for strong water movement and high oxygen levels, they are considered to be of medium difficulty to care for, making them a rewarding choice for aquarists who can provide the right environment. A secure lid is also advisable, as they have been known to be potential escape artists.

Breeding the Reticulated Hillstream Loach in captivity is considered a moderately difficult undertaking that requires specific conditions to be met. Success is most often achieved in a dedicated breeding aquarium that replicates their natural environment with high flow and exceptional oxygenation. Identifying the sexes can be challenging, though typically, mature females tend to have a wider, more robust body shape than males when viewed from above, especially when laden with eggs. For a successful spawning attempt, a group of well-conditioned adults is recommended, with a ratio of more males than females often encouraging courtship behavior. Conditioning involves feeding the fish a rich, varied diet of high-quality live and frozen foods for several weeks to prepare them for the rigors of spawning. These fish are egg-scatterers and do not exhibit parental care. Spawning is often triggered by changes in water parameters that mimic seasonal shifts in their natural habitat, such as small, frequent water changes with slightly cooler water. The adults will scatter their adhesive eggs over the substrate, often in gravel or among smooth river stones. To prevent the adults from consuming the eggs, it is crucial to use a substrate like a layer of marbles or a mesh grate that allows the eggs to fall through to safety. Once spawning is complete, the adults should be removed. The eggs will hatch after a few days, and the fry will initially survive by consuming their yolk sacs. Once free-swimming, they require microscopic foods such as infusoria, liquid fry food, or finely powdered pellets. As they grow, their diet can be transitioned to newly hatched brine shrimp and crushed foods. Maintaining pristine water quality is absolutely paramount for the survival of the delicate fry.