Beaufortia kweichowensis

The Chinese hillstream loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis) is one of the most commonly imported sucker-type hillstream loaches for the aquarium industry. It is also known as the Hong Kong plec, the butterfly hillstream loach or the Chinese sucker.

Chinese hillstream loach
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Species:	B. kweichowensis
Binomial name
Beaufortia kweichowensis Fang, 1931
Synonyms
Beaufortia leverreti kweichowensis.

Distribution and natural habitat

Beaufortia kweichowensis is widespread in China and inhabits fast flowing highland streams over boulders.

In the aquarium

The aquarium must duplicate the conditions of natural habitat of Chinse hillstream loaches because they have very high oxygen requirements. They need excellent water-flow and aeration, numerous rocky hiding places and smooth pebbles and boulders to graze over. Lighting should be bright to encourage algal growth in the aquarium. Plants are not necessary as the Chinese hillstream loaches do not normally encounter them in the wild, but these plants will help with maintaining water quality. Suitable plants for high-flow environments are the Anubias and the Microsoreum, which can grow on rockwork or driftwood.

Chinese hillstream loaches can reach up to 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in length.

Behavior

Beaufortia kweichowensis are more retiring than the Bornean Gastromyzon species, but will settle down in the aquarium and become more active in time. However, like Gastromyzon, they are also protective of their territory and will engage in tests of strength - where one fish will try and cover the other fish - a behavior referred to as "topping". These clashes are entertaining to watch and seldom result in any damage to the fish. Eventually, one fish will give in and vacate the immediate area. But B. kweichowensis will seldom back down from skirmishes involving other sucker-type Hillstream loaches because of its size.

Feeding

Chinese hillstream loaches have small mouths which necessitates offering of good quality food such as flake, sinking pellets, algae wafers, thawed frozen Bloodworm, Mysis shrimps, blanched spinach, kale and natural algae.

Gender and breeding

There are little obvious difference between males and females in Beaufortia kweichowensis but males often have stronger coloration. B. kweichowensis are not bred in aquariums.