{"product_id":"chinese-hillstream-loach","title":"Chinese Hillstream Loach (Pseudogastromyzon myersi)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Chinese Hillstream Loach (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudogastromyzon myersi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) is an unusual freshwater fish known for its flattened body, broad fan-shaped fins, and intricate spotted and mottled coloration. Native to the flowing streams of southeastern China, this species uses its specialized fins to cling to rocks and other submerged surfaces while grazing on algae, biofilm, and associated microorganisms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerally peaceful but occasionally territorial over preferred grazing surfaces, Chinese Hillstream Loaches are fascinating additions to mature, well-oxygenated stream-style aquariums. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecies Identification Note:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e These fish are sometimes confused with the closely related \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudogastromyzon cheni\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Aquatic Arts received them as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eP. myersi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which is consistent with their appearance, although definitive identification may require closer anatomical examination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eWhat \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLove \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\" data-pm-slice=\"3 3 []\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnique Body Shape:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Broad, fan-shaped fins allow Chinese Hillstream Loaches to cling to rocks, aquarium glass, and other submerged surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Grazing Behavior:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Constantly explores established surfaces for algae, biofilm, and associated microorganisms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFascinating Social Interactions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Generally peaceful, with occasional territorial displays and chasing over preferred grazing spots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeautiful Natural Patterning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Intricate spots and mottled olive-brown coloration provide excellent camouflage against rocks and gravel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Generally Peaceful; Territorial Over Preferred Grazing Surfaces\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 2–2.5 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Omnivorous Grazer (Biofilm, Algae, Sinking Foods, Frozen Foods, and Small Live Foods)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 20 Gallons Long\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSwimming Zone:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bottom and Hardscape Surfaces\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSocial Behavior:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Not a Schooling Fish; Can Be Kept in Groups with Adequate Space and Grazing Areas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGroup Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 3–5 or More in a Suitably Sized Aquarium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Flow:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate to Strong, with High Oxygenation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudogastromyzon myersi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Southeastern China\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximate Purchase Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Varies by Available Stock\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant Care Consideration:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Chinese Hillstream Loaches require a mature aquarium with clean, oxygen-rich water and established grazing surfaces. Although they naturally feed on algae and biofilm, supplemental feeding is essential. Provide multiple smooth rocks and feeding areas to reduce competition between individuals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eRecommended \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParameters \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u0026amp; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRequirements\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 68–75°F (20–24°C) — Cooler, well-oxygenated water supports the Chinese Hillstream Loach’s stream-dwelling lifestyle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6.5–7.5 — Stable, slightly acidic to neutral water is generally suitable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeneral Hardness (GH):\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 4–12 dGH — Soft to moderately hard water is appropriate, with stability more important than achieving an exact number.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 20 Gallons Long — A longer aquarium provides more bottom space, grazing surfaces, and room for water circulation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Flow:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate to Strong — Provide directional current along with calmer areas where fish can rest and feed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOxygenation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e High — Strong surface agitation and efficient filtration help maintain the dissolved oxygen these fish require.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Well-Established and Efficient — Chinese Hillstream Loaches are sensitive to deteriorating water quality and should only be introduced to fully cycled aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Smooth Gravel, Sand, and Rounded River Stones — A mixture of surfaces creates natural grazing areas while protecting the fish’s underside and delicate fins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLighting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate to Bright — Sufficient lighting encourages natural algae and biofilm growth on exposed rocks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Maturity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Established Aquarium Recommended — Mature surfaces support natural grazing behavior, although supplemental feeding remains essential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquatic Arts Tip:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Prioritize water movement, oxygenation, and usable grazing space rather than creating excessively turbulent conditions throughout the entire aquarium. Multiple smooth stones positioned in the current allow Chinese Hillstream Loaches to establish feeding areas without constantly competing for the same surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquatic Arts","offers":[{"title":"Group of 3","offer_id":15504096582,"sku":"CHINESEHILLSTREAMLOACHES3","price":37.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1163\/2672\/products\/Chinese_Hillstream_Loach_6.jpg?v=1740069322","url":"https:\/\/aquaticarts.com\/products\/chinese-hillstream-loach","provider":"Aquatic Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}