{"product_id":"sucker-belly-loach-pseudogastromyzon-myersi","title":"Sucker-belly loach — Hillstream Loach – Beaufortia Kweichowensis","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eHillstream Loach\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eBeaufortia kweichowensis\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the Sucker Belly Loach or Butterfly Loach, is one of the most fascinating freshwater fish available. Its entire body is flattened from top to bottom, and the pelvic and pectoral fins are fused into broad, wing-like structures that form a powerful sucker disc. This allows the fish to cling firmly to rocks even in the strongest current — an adaptation to its native fast-flowing mountain streams in southern China.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeaufortia kweichowensis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6–8 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTemperature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18–24 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003epH Range\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardness\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5–15 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMinimum Tank\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDiet\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlgae, biofilm, blanched vegetables, algae wafers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTemperament\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLifespan\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4–6 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCare Level\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCool-Water Specialist\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHillstream Loaches are \u003cstrong\u003enot tropical fish\u003c\/strong\u003e. They come from cool, fast-flowing mountain streams and prefer temperatures of 18–24 °C. In most UK homes, they do perfectly well without a heater — in fact, warm water (above 25 °C) is harmful to them. Pair with a powerhead or wavemaker to create the strong current they need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRiver Manifold Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ideal setup mimics a fast-flowing stream: smooth river pebbles, strong current from a powerhead, and highly oxygenated water. Hillstream loaches graze biofilm and algae from rock surfaces — watching them methodically work their way across a stone is endlessly fascinating. Their sucker-like body can cling to vertical glass and even the underside of rocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful with other cool-water species. Compatible with white cloud mountain minnows, danios, and other hillstream loaches. Avoid warm-water tropical species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll fish are carefully packed and shipped with live arrival guarantee. Order today for fast UK delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57445975163215,"sku":"K291","price":17.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/tropical-fish-uk-sucker-belly-loach-hero-driftwood-k904.webp?v=1776554999","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/sucker-belly-loach-pseudogastromyzon-myersi","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}