What size tank do hillstream loaches need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 3. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Sewellia lineolata.
How many hillstream loaches in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if hillstream loaches are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many hillstream loaches |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 9 |
| 29 gallon | up to 13 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 19 |
| 55 gallon | up to 26 |
| 75 gallon | up to 35 |
| 125 gallon | up to 59 |
Check hillstream loaches against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Needs cool water, strong flow and lots of oxygen.
- Keep at least 3. In smaller numbers they are stressed, or one gets picked on.
Tank mates for hillstream loaches
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Zebra danio
- Platy
- Rosy barb
- Odessa barb
- Swordtail
- Neon tetra
- Celestial pearl danio
- White Cloud Mountain minnow
Poor matches
- Betta: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Hillstream loach likes 68–75 °F (20–24 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as hillstream loach.
- Molly: They need different water: Hillstream loach likes a pH of 6.5–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do hillstream loaches need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 3. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many hillstream loaches should be kept together?
At least 3. Hillstream loaches are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can hillstream loaches live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Hillstream loach needs at least 20 gallons (76 liters).
What temperature do hillstream loaches need?
68–75 °F (20–24 °C), with a pH of 6.5–7.5. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can hillstream loaches live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Hillstream loach likes 68–75 °F (20–24 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.