Care
The exquisite Sewellia lineolata is a fairly recent introduction to the aquatics trade, and like other hillstream loach species, they do have specialist care requirements. These beautiful "suckerbelly" loaches have evolved to live in extremely fast-flowing waters, where they use their pectoral and pelvic fins to form a "suction cup" in order to hang on to smooth rocks amongst rapids. This high-velocity habitat must be replicated in the home aquarium by use of extra powerheads (in addition to the return flow from filters) to create a river type effect. The surface of the water should be visibly moving to ensure that there is a very high amount of oxygenation within the water at all times. An additional air-pump is also a handy back-up. Without such a high level of oxygenation and water movement, Sewellia lineolata will not fare well at all. These delicate fish should really only be added to aquariums that are well mature. Such tanks will have a good established growth of algae for the fish to graze upon in order to consume the micro-organisms within, and will provide a source of nourishment whilst the fish may be adapting to the taking of prepared foods. The front glass can be wiped free of algae, but it is recommended that you allow algae to freely colonise the sides and back glass, and over the decor. Lighting should be bright in order to encourage a decent amount of algal growth. Ideally, the aquarium will be at least 36" long, and contain a multitude of hiding spots amongst rocks, cobbles and bogwood. Flat smooth rocks should be placed in the path of the flow, where these fish will often congregate just as they would do in their natural boulder-strewn habitats. Plants can be incorporated into the river style aquarium, but not all species will fare well under the extreme flow conditions. Having said this, many aquarists have had a good deal of success with Anubias species, Java moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri), Java fern (Microsorum sp.) and some species of Cryptocoryne. Plants are not found in great abundance in the natural habitat of Sewellia lineolata, so are not considered essential, but they will help with water quality and will make the aquarium look more aesthetically pleasing. Indeed, many aquarists have observed their loaches resting on the tips of broad leaved plants, "surfing" in the current with obvious enjoyment. These spectacular fish deserve a specialist aquarium to meet their needs. Their quirky behaviour is something totally out of the ordinary and is a joy to observe. They can be kept alongside other sub-tropical current-loving species such as White Cloud Mountain Minnows and many species from the Danio family, plus other similar hillstream loach species. This species can be very sensitive to the shipping process, so be sure that your dealer rests them after import and whilst doing so, keeps them in suitable highly oxygenated conditions. May also be seen on sale as Gold Ring Butterfly Sucker or Gold ring Hillstream Loach.
Feeding
In addition to grazing on the natural algae in the tank (for the micro-organisms it contains) these fish will readily accept most small foods offered: frozen mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, daphnia etc, plus sinking catfish pellets and granules. Some may take flake foods, but this should not be relied upon. These fish also enjoy vegetable matter such as blanched spinach, kale, cucumber, melon etc.
Breeding
Bred in May/June 2006 by the author. These fish engage in an elaborate courtship ritual with the male pursuing the female and enticing her into his territory. If she accepts, he will "dance" around her in circles and then gently nibble her dorsal surface, from the dorsal fin along to the top of the head and back again. This may go on for some time, and the female may or may not wish to continue with the male. If she allows his advances, the pair will eventually rise up into the water column, bodies rigid and pectoral fins touching, as the eggs and milt are released. It is still not clear how long it takes for the eggs to hatch, but young fry have been found in the external filter and in the aquarium itself. The initial body shape, colouration and pattern on the young are nothing like the adult fish.
