A few quick questions about hillstreem loaches?

Question

1. can they go in a comunity tank with lots of small/large fish

2. how do the petshops get them of the side of the glass

3. how big do they get

4. do they ever swim

5. do they eat pleco pellets

6. what websites can you give me about keeping them

thanks

Answer 1

1. As long as you don't have any fish that will bother them (aggressive Cichlids, more boisterous Loaches, other suckermouthed fish, etc.), they're fine.  Keep in mind, putting them with something like Discus that need very warm water isn't a good idea.

2. When scared, they will swim away, just like any other fish.  At this point, they are easy to net.  Also, they more often attatch to rocks then glass, and can easily be shaken (VERY gently) off.

3. That depends largely on the species.  Some will get around 5", but you can expect most to stay around 3".

4. Very often.  Unless your current is so strong that they literally HAVE to stick to the glass to avoid injury, they are actually quite active, though they will mostly "scuttle" (which is a fairly accurate description) around the substrate.

5. Yep.  Shrimp pellets, algae wafers, fresh vegetables, and any other sinking food will work well, even the occaisional frozen bloodworm meal.

6.  As there are many different species, you will have to look up the specific one you're buying, but they are fairly similar in care:

http://www.loaches.com/species-index/bea...

http://www.aquariacentral.com/articles/h...

http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_hills...

http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pf...

http://www.fishbase.com/Summary/SpeciesS...

http://www.fishbase.com/Summary/speciesS...

Answer 2

I'm sure, If their water temperatures are compatible.

Well if you touch one it will get off the glass.

4 inches.

Yes.

Yes.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/articles/h...

http://www.loaches.com/species-index/bea...

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/Hi...

http://www.geocities.com/elgecko1989/hil...

http://www.fishbase.se/Summary/SpeciesSu...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balitoridae