Ornament Decoration Water

Ornament Decoration Water
Please tell me everything you know about hillstream loaches?

I would like to know about their breeding, food, all the different species/varieties, water temperature tank requirements, tank ornaments/decorations, filtration, whether they would like airstones/pumps, whether they can spend time on 'land' that I provide for them, etc. thankyou!

Most of the Hillstream Loaches are not very large, being only a few inches. They have developed quite a variety of body forms - round, cylindrical, compressed, some that are elongated, and a few that are flattened. They have a sucker type mouth and fins adapted to clinging to rocks in moving water. Some species are scaleless.

For the most part they are bottom dwellers found under rocks or in mud, and a few are found only in caves.

Care and feeding:
These fish mainly get active in the evening or after dark, are mostly bottom feeders, and are omnivores. Although in their natural habitat many primarily eat insect larvae, live worms, and crustaceans, they also nibble on algae and other vegetation. They can be fed sinking granules or tablets, dry flake food, frozen proteins such as tubifex, bloodworms, and brine shrimp, and vegetable substitutes such as a soft algae, algae wafers, and even a bit of Romaine lettuce or blanched kale leaves.

A "river tank" aquarium is best where there is a lot of water movement, a sand or gravel substrate, and a variety of stones and rocks for algae to grow on. They like hiding places where they can retreat to at will. They especially like to hide under rocks, plant roots or wood, and some species like to hide in caves.

Breeding:
There is little known about the reproduction of most of these fish. Though there have been some reported successes among various hobbyists, these fish are not yet commercially bred.

Have a look at these sites, you will get more info:

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/HillstreamLoaches/HillstreamLoach.htm#Description

http://www.aquariacentral.com/articles/hillstream.shtml

http://www.wetpetz.com/loaches.htm

For More Ornament Decoration Water Info Click On The Blue Links Below