Hillstream Loach (Beaufortia leveretti)
| Hillstream Loach Beaufortia leveretti | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Hillstream Loach |
| Name Lat. | Beaufortia leveretti |
| Family | Hillstream Loaches |
| Family lat. | Gastromyzontidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | China, Vietnam |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Limnivore |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Oviparous |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5-10 cm |
| Temperature | 18-24 °C |
| Hardness | 10-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 150 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2"-4" |
| Temperature | 64-75 °F |
| Hardness | 178-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the diurnal Leveretts fin sucker is southeastern China, the Hainan Islands, and Vietnam, where they live in fast-flowing, sometimes rip-roaring, highly oxygenated waters with a gravelly substrate.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have robust planting, a round-grained substrate and be structured with large river pebbles and flat stones. They need oxygen-rich water and a strong current.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and the oxygen content, a filter adapted to the aquarium size and a heater are required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They eat the plant cover (growth) of stones and wood and the microorganisms contained therein. For a balanced diet, feed them once a day with a high-quality sinking dry food (granules, tablets) as well as cyclops, daphnia or mosquito larvae (live or frozen). In addition, they need vegetable food, such as crushed peas, scalded spinach or algae leaves. It is recommended to coat stones or roots with a slurry of spirulina, chlorella and other algae powder and place them in the aquarium after they have dried
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are active and very peaceful fish that can be kept well with other peaceful fish. At least 5 Leveretts fin sucker should be kept together
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar water condition and water temperature requirements should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
There are no known external distinguishing characteristics.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
They have large pectoral and pelvic fins, which are formed as adhesive organs and with which they can attach themselves to stones in the fast-flowing waters. When changing location, they swim only short distances, fast and shallow over the bottom, to immediately suck themselves in again.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. A regular partial water change is recommended, even if the pollutant load has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 4, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF