Description
Hillstream Loach – Unique, Hardy, and Algae-Eating Bottom Dweller
Add a fascinating and efficient bottom dweller to your aquarium with the Hillstream Loach (Gastromyzon species), a stunningly unique fish that thrives in fast-flowing waters and is a natural algae-eater. Known for its flattened body, large pectoral fins, and remarkable swimming abilities, this loach is a captivating addition to aquariums that mimic the fast-moving streams and rivers of Southeast Asia.
With its striking appearance—featuring a body that appears perfectly suited for life in strong currents—the Hillstream Loach has evolved to navigate fast-flowing waters using its specialized fins. Its colors can vary, often displaying shades of brown, green, and yellow with intricate patterns, giving it a camouflage-like effect against rocky substrates. This loach is most active during the day, constantly foraging for food on the substrate, rocks, and tank surfaces.
A peaceful and hardy species, the Hillstream Loach is an excellent choice for aquariums that are set up to simulate a riverine environment with strong water flow. It is highly efficient at consuming algae, biofilm, and detritus, making it an invaluable addition to tanks with algae issues. Since it is a peaceful species, it can easily coexist with other community fish that enjoy similar water conditions.
Key Features:
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Unique Appearance: Flattened body and large pectoral fins designed for life in fast-moving waters, with natural camouflage patterns
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Algae-Eating Machine: Constantly forages for algae, detritus, and biofilm, helping to keep your aquarium clean
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Peaceful & Hardy: A calm species that thrives in well-maintained tanks with proper water flow and can coexist with other peaceful tankmates
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Active Daytime Behavior: Most active during the day, providing interesting and constant movement in your tank as it climbs rocks and swims against the current
Care Guidelines:
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Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a small group (3 or more)
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Water Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
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pH Range: 6.5–7.5
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Water Flow: Requires moderate to strong water flow to mimic its natural riverine habitat
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Diet: Primarily algae, but will also accept sinking pellets, live or frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and vegetable matter
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Lifespan: 5–7 years with proper care
Tip: The Hillstream Loach thrives in aquariums with strong water currents, so consider using a powerful filter or water pump to create a flowing environment. Providing plenty of rocks, caves, and driftwood allows them to seek shelter, which helps them feel secure. A fine, sandy substrate is ideal for their sensitive barbels, which they use to forage.
The Hillstream Loach is a perfect choice for those looking to add a unique, algae-eating species to their tank. Its incredible swimming ability, peaceful temperament, and natural algae-eating habits make it a valuable and fascinating addition to any freshwater aquarium.
Click & Collect
FREE COLLECTION FROM OUR STORE
Place your order online and select Click & Collect at checkout.
Livestock will normally be bagged when you arrive, helping to minimise the amount of time animals spend packaged. If you’d prefer your livestock to be ready beforehand, simply contact us in advance.
Local Delivery
DELIVERED BY TROPICAL SUPPLIES • WITHIN 25 MILES
Order from our in-store range and have it delivered directly to you using our own local delivery service.
Minimum order: £50
Local Delivery Charges:
Up to 5 miles — FREE
5–10 miles — £10
10–15 miles — £15
15–20 miles — £20
20–25 miles — £25
Distances are measured “as the crow flies” rather than by road.
Once your order has been placed, we’ll contact you to arrange a suitable delivery date and time. We often combine nearby orders into efficient delivery runs, so local delivery may take a little longer during busy periods.
Ordering a large aquarium?
Please make sure someone is available to help unload the aquarium from our van when we arrive.
Dry Goods Delivery
FREE UK Delivery Over £75
Spend £75 or more on eligible dry goods and receive FREE UK delivery on orders weighing up to 20kg.
A great opportunity to stock up on food, treatments, filter media, accessories and other aquarium or reptile essentials while saving on delivery.
Free delivery applies to eligible orders up to 20kg and excludes livestock, aquariums, terrariums and other oversized items.
Qualifying orders will automatically show the FREE UK Delivery option at checkout — no discount code required.
Standard Parcel Delivery
Our standard parcel delivery charges are calculated according to the weight of your order and the available delivery service.
Orders placed before 12 noon may be dispatched the same day on our current dispatch days.
Express Pallet
75–500kg • Usually 1–3 working days
Designed for large and heavy orders that cannot be sent using our standard parcel service.
Please note: We currently dispatch parcels Wednesday to Friday.
Adding Something to an Existing Order?
If your original order hasn’t been dispatched yet, simply place the additional items as a Click & Collect order and leave us a note asking us to combine them with your existing order.
Available to Order
See something you want that we don’t currently have on the shelf? Many of our products can be quickly sourced from our suppliers.
Products marked Available to Order are not currently held in stock at our store but are available for us to order on your behalf.
Most items arrive with us within a few days and usually no longer than a week, depending on supplier availability.
Once your item arrives with us, we’ll either dispatch your order or let you know it’s ready for collection, depending on the delivery option you selected.
After receiving your order, we’ll check availability with our supplier. If there are any issues or expected delays, we’ll contact you to let you know.
Nationwide Livestock Delivery
Have your new livestock delivered safely to your door using our specialist livestock delivery service.
Minimum livestock order: £50
Thursday Delivery — £24
Order by: Wednesday, 12 noon
Dispatched: Wednesday afternoon
Delivered: Thursday before 1pm
Friday Delivery — £24
Order by: Thursday, 12 noon
Dispatched: Thursday afternoon
Delivered: Friday before 1pm
Saturday Delivery — £29
Order by: Friday, 12 noon
Dispatched: Friday afternoon
Delivered: Saturday before 1pm
Add Dry Goods to Your Livestock Order
You can include suitable dry goods with your livestock delivery, making it easy to add food, treatments, filter media, accessories and other supplies at the same time.
Please note: Livestock deliveries cannot include frozen food or heavy items such as gravel, sand or other unsuitable bulky goods. These items must be ordered separately using an appropriate delivery method.
Already Placed Your Order?
No problem. If your livestock order hasn’t been dispatched yet, place another order using Click & Collect and leave us a note asking us to combine it with your existing order.
Payment & Security
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