The Hillstream Butterfly Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis)

The Hillstream Butterfly Loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis) resides in many of the highland and inland streams of China, especially those that have fast moving currents. B. Kweichowensis can usually be found attached to rocks and pebbles that make up the substrate or bank of whichever stream or river they happen to be in. Appearance, body shape wise, many compare this loach to a flounder. The organs are centralized in the middle body portion of the animal, while two pairs of ray fins along with the tail and dorsal fins provide propulsion. Unlike the plecostomus they are often compared to, these loaches often use their ray fins to glide around the mid portion of the tank, but only for a short period of time. Color wise they typically adapt and camouflage with their current surroundings. Being that these animals have such a large distribution, existing in mountain streams as well as sea level streams, they are relatively hardy and can manage a wide array of temperature conditions and water types. In the home aquarium you’ll want to include a pump or filter that overturns the system volume at minimum 10 times per hour to maintain oxygen saturation and to recreate their natural habitat. Feed similarly to small catfish such as Corydoras and smaller Plecos, a quality sinking wafer can make up the bulk of their diet.