Banded Hillstream Loach
Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis
Banded Hillstream Loach is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Banded Hillstream Loach?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 3" (≤ 7.7 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 20 US gal (76 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom dweller
- Temperature
- 68–75°F (20–24°C)
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- GH
- 5–15 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.
Lifespan: up to 10 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 20 US gal (76 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 20–24 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Banded Hillstream Loach is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Banded Hillstream Loach should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Provide mature biofilm-rich rocks and suitable supplemental sinking foods without removing natural grazing surfaces.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 20 US gal (76 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: China.
Important notes
- Stored Pseudogastromyzon genus may be outdated; proposed Labigastromyzon combination requires taxonomic review.
- Not suitable for warm stagnant new setups lacking biofilm.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Banded Hillstream Loach get?
Banded Hillstream Loach reaches ≤ 3" (≤ 7.7 cm).
What aquarium size does Banded Hillstream Loach need?
Use an aquarium of at least 20 US gal (76 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Is Banded Hillstream Loach peaceful?
Yes. Banded Hillstream Loach is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
What temperature is suitable for Banded Hillstream Loach?
Keep it between 20 to 24 °C.
