Chinese Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Red River basin (southern China and northern Vietnam) and Hainan Island. Like its cousin kweichowensis, it populates the rocky beds of mountain streams amidst waterfalls and very strong currents.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Leverett's Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia leveretti). A larger and more tapered "Butterfly Loach" than B. kweichowensis. The snout is more pointed and the adhesive disk formed by the fins is exceptionally powerful.

Social Behavior: Peaceful but exhibitionist. Constant competitions occur between males for the highest rock or the one richest in algae, raising themselves halfway and showing their dorsal coloration to the rival without ever injuring each other.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Presents a pattern with broader and more irregular bands or spots compared to the small polka dots of kweichowensis. The background color is an ocher or rusty brown. Females are noticeably more voluminous and wider when viewed from above compared to the aerodynamic line of males.

Aquarium Setup: Specialized "River Tank" (min. 100 cm / 40 inches given the size). Very strong directional water flow. Place smooth river stones right under the pump outlet to create their favorite "resting spots". No need for fine plants which would be uprooted by the current.

Diet and Feeding: Aufwuchs grazer. In addition to the indispensable encrusting algae on the stones, its size allows it to more willingly accept live mosquito larvae, frozen bloodworms and slices of blanched cucumber anchored to the bottom.

Water Quality: Strictly cool and temperate water fish (18-24°C / 64-75°F). Absolutely NOT compatible with 27°C (81°F) tropical tanks. High temperature lowers dissolved oxygen, leading them to gasp at the surface until they die in a few days.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Insert exclusively in temperate Asian biotope aquariums. Fantastic together with Pethia conchonius (Rosy Barb), Tanichthys (White Cloud Mountain Minnow), Balitorids and Gastromyzon. Does not bother anyone but flees if annoyed by large bottom fish.

Aquarium Reproduction: Very difficult. They are "digging" spawners: they build a cradle by moving the gravel under the stones where the flow brings oxygenated water to the eggs. Feeding the newly emerged larvae requires a tank flooded with microscopic natural algae.

Risks and Diseases: They easily climb the glass and explore pipes; without sponge protectors on the filter intakes or a sealed lid, you will find them sucked into the impellers or dried on the floor.