Freshwater Fish
Hillstream Loach.
The reticulated hillstream loach (Sewellia lineolata) is native to fast-flowing streams in Vietnam and has a flattened, sucker-like body that lets it grip rocks in strong current.
We keep this species at our Erie store. Come and see it in the tanks, or call (814) 456-9445 and ask what we have in right now.
Sea Cave keeps this species. You will find these in the tanks at 660 East 14th Street in Erie. We never ship live animals.
- Condition
- new
- Fulfillment
- Local pickup — Erie, PA
We never ship fish, coral, or invertebrates — every animal here is one you meet in person. Each one is acclimated and health-checked in-house before it goes out into the display tanks. This is a species we keep, and what is swimming on any given day changes with the deliveries, so please call (814) 456-9445 before you drive in.
Care at a glance
What to know before you take one home.
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Adult size
- 2.5"
- Min tank size
- 30 gallons
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Scientific name
- Sewellia lineolata
Good tank mates
Compatibility depends on the individual and the setup, so call us for pairing advice. In general these are gentle, bottom-clinging fish that suit cool, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated tanks, so any tankmates should share those conditions; we're happy to help match them to your tank.
Good to know
The reticulated hillstream loach (Sewellia lineolata) is native to fast-flowing streams in Vietnam and has a flattened, sucker-like body that lets it grip rocks in strong current.
What is in the tanks and each animal's temperament vary — call (814) 456-9445 for pairing advice.
Good tankmates
Plays well with.
Species we’d keep in the same tank, with why each pairing works. What is in the tanks and each animal’s temperament vary — call (814) 456-9445 for advice on pairing.
New to stocking a tank? Read our guide on which fish live together.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
A cool-water schooling fish (60–72°F) whose temperature and peaceful temperament align closely with hillstream loach requirements. Both species appreciate high-flow, well-oxygenated water, making them one of the most frequently recommended pairings in the hobby. Best kept at 68–72°F where both species are comfortable.
Zebra Danio
Temperature range (65–77°F) overlaps broadly with the hillstream loach's 68–75°F sweet spot, and zebra danios actively thrive in strong current and highly oxygenated water — the exact conditions hillstream loaches require. Peaceful schooler with no fin-nipping or predation risk toward the loach.
Colored Shrimp
Temperature range (65–75°F) maps directly onto the hillstream loach's requirements. Hillstream loaches are strict biofilm and algae grazers with small, suction-adapted mouths — they are not shrimp predators. Multiple aquarium sources and hobbyist reports confirm successful coexistence. Provide ample cover and flow baffles for shrimplets as a precaution.
- N
Nerite Snail
Peaceful algae-grazing snail that handles clean, well-oxygenated, high-flow water without issue. Occupies a different niche than the loach (glass and hardscape surfaces vs. rock substrate) so there is no meaningful territory conflict. Zero aggression.
Visit the store
660 East 14th Street,
Erie, PA.
Mon–Fri 12–6 · Sat 11–4 · Sun closed. Call ahead on livestock — what's on the floor rotates.