{"product_id":"beaufortia-leveretti","title":"Beaufortia leveretti 4-5 cm | Chinese Hillstream Loach","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeaufortia leveretti\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fascinating hillstream loach from fast-flowing waters in southern China. Often sold as the Chinese hillstream loach, this species is built for life on rocks and glass in strong current, using its flattened body and specialised fins to cling securely in high-flow areas. At 4-5 cm, these juveniles are a superb choice for aquarists looking for something unusual, active and genuinely rewarding to keep.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlike many standard community fish, Beaufortia leveretti thrives in a cool, highly oxygenated aquarium with plenty of water movement and biofilm-rich surfaces. It is peaceful, interesting to watch, and best suited to established aquariums with stable water quality. If you can provide the right environment, this species can become a long-lived and captivating feature fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe supply healthy live fish with a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, so your new hillstream loach arrives in the best possible condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCare factor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommendation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeaufortia leveretti\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChinese hillstream loach\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 12 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCare level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 litres for a single fish; larger for a group\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18-24°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5-7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5-15 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlgae, biofilm, prepared sinking foods, small frozen foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottom \/ rock surfaces\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeaufortia leveretti\u003c\/em\u003e originates from cool, clear, fast-moving streams in China, where water is shallow, highly oxygenated and constantly flowing over stones, gravel and rock. In nature, these fish spend much of their time attached to hard surfaces, grazing on algae, micro-organisms and biofilm. Their body shape is adapted to turbulent water, and they are not suited to warm, stagnant or under-filtered aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReplicating this habitat is the key to success. A hillstream-style aquarium with strong circulation, clean water and plenty of smooth rockwork will allow this species to display natural behaviour and remain healthy long term. They are especially appealing in planted or aquascaped tanks with cool-water species, but the emphasis must always be on flow and oxygenation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor best results, keep \u003cem\u003eBeaufortia leveretti\u003c\/em\u003e in a mature aquarium with excellent filtration and strong surface agitation. A canister filter, powerhead or wavemaker can help create the brisk current they need. Aim for a tank with open swimming lanes, but also lots of flat stones, slate, driftwood and textured surfaces where biofilm can develop. Smooth river stones are ideal, as these fish like to graze and rest against hardscape rather than hide in dense planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater quality must be pristine. Regular maintenance, low nitrate and stable parameters are essential. This species does best in cooler water between 18-24°C, with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and moderate hardness. Avoid high temperatures, as prolonged warmth can cause stress and shorten lifespan. Because they are sensitive to poor oxygen levels, ensure the tank is well aerated and never overcrowded.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough they are not difficult once established, they are not a beginner fish in the usual sense. They need a mature tank with established biofilm, and newly set-up aquariums are rarely suitable. A sand or fine gravel substrate is acceptable, but the most important feature is a layout that mimics a stream bed and allows water to move freely around the aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecommended setup tips:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse strong filtration and high oxygenation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the aquarium cool and stable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide smooth rocks, slate and driftwood for grazing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain excellent water cleanliness with regular partial water changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow the tank to mature so natural food sources can develop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, this species grazes on algae, biofilm and tiny organisms from rock surfaces. In the aquarium, it should be offered a varied diet that reflects this. Do not rely on algae alone, as a well-fed fish will do much better and show better condition. Good options include sinking algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, repashy-style gel foods, and small frozen foods such as bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp offered sparingly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed little and often, especially in the evening or after lights dim, when the fish may be more active. It is important that food reaches the bottom and is accessible on rock surfaces. Competition from faster tank mates can be a problem, so ensure the fish is getting enough to eat. A mature tank with natural biofilm is a real advantage, but supplementary feeding is still essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause Beaufortia leveretti is a specialised grazer, a varied diet helps maintain body condition and encourages natural behaviour. Avoid overfeeding, which can quickly affect water quality in a species that depends on clean, oxygen-rich conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeaufortia leveretti\u003c\/em\u003e is peaceful and generally compatible with other calm species that enjoy similar cooler, well-oxygenated water. Good tank mates include small danios, white cloud mountain minnows, hillstream loaches, peaceful gobies, and other non-aggressive cool-water fish that will not outcompete it for food. It can also work with some shrimp and snails in suitably sized aquariums, although very small invertebrates may be at risk if the fish is hungry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid aggressive, boisterous or warm-water species, as well as large cichlids, fin-nippers and fish that prefer still, warm conditions. Slow, delicate fish may also struggle if they cannot cope with the current required by this species. The best companions are active but peaceful fish that appreciate similar water movement and temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompatibility notes: this is a social fish in the sense that it often does well in small groups or with other stream-dwelling species, but any group must be housed in an appropriately sized, mature aquarium with plenty of feeding opportunities and rockwork. Always monitor new introductions carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we specialise in healthy, well-conditioned livestock and careful packing for safe transport. Your \u003cem\u003eBeaufortia leveretti\u003c\/em\u003e is selected with quality in mind and shipped using reliable methods to support a smooth acclimation on arrival. We offer \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e and a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving you confidence when ordering online.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe also aim to provide clear, practical care information so you can set up the right environment before your fish arrives. Hillstream loaches are truly special aquarium residents, and with the correct tank conditions they can thrive for years. If you are looking for an unusual, active and rewarding species for a cool-water stream-style aquarium, this is an excellent choice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"4-5 cm","offer_id":57446837977423,"sku":"K820","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"5-6 cm","offer_id":57560782012751,"sku":"K807","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/beaufortia-leveretti-hero-driftwood-k820.webp?v=1777529848","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/beaufortia-leveretti","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}