Butterfly Loach
- In stock, ready to ship
- Inventory on the way
- Live Arrival Guarantee
- All our live fish, shrimp, snails are care with love and passion, when through minimum of 14 days quarantined and shipped from Splashy Fish facility in Springfield, Virginia, USA
This is only apply to live fish order.
What is Our Live Arrival Guarantee?
Benefit from our extensive experience in shipping live fish. In 2021, our records indicated a mere 0.5% dead-on-arrival (DOA) rate for all live fish orders, compared to the industry standard of 1.5%. These numbers translate to only 5 out of 1000 orders experiencing DOA fish.
At Splashy Fish, customer satisfaction is our priority. That's why we provide a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee on all animals shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Please note - Splashy Fish reserves the right to void Live Arrival Guarantee protection under the following circumstances:
- The customer has chosen USPS First Class Mail as a shipping method.
- The shipping address is a PO Box address
- The order was refused delivery by the customer.
- If the order is returned to the sender for any reason. For instance, an incorrect shipping address, an undeliverable address, etc.
- The order was held for pick up at USPS, UPS, and FedEx offices for longer than 24 hours after the last update on the tracking number.
- The Live Arrival Guarantee claim does not include all the requirements mentioned below
- The Live Arrival Guarantee claim is made after the claim period mentioned below.
- The animals are not in their original packaging
Live Arrival Guarantee Claim Period:
For Live Fish and other invertebrates, one and a half hours (1.5 hours) after the posted delivery time.
For Snails: 48 hours after the posted delivery time.
Steps to claim Splashy Fish's Live Arrival Guarantee:
- Take a picture of the shipping box and the shipping label.
- For live fish and other invertebrates: Please provide two pictures of each bag (containing the dead fish) upon arrival. Ensure the images display the bag in its original, unopened condition with the original rubber band intact
- For Snails: Position the snail in one corner of the tank. If the snail does not move within 48 hours, please take several pictures of the snail's opening
- Send an email to DOA@splashyfishstore.com with the subject line: DOA and Your Order Number, or message us on social media.
- In the body of the email, include your tracking number.
- The claim must be sent within the claim period mentioned above.
After submitting the required information, please allow us 1-3 business days to determine the cause of the issue. If the claim is valid and approved by our team, you will
- Receive a store credit for future purchases, excluding the shipping cost, of the dead-on-arrival fish
If the Live Arrival Guarantee claim does not meet all listed requirements, Splashy Fish reserves the right to reject it.
Shipping live animals and plants is a complex process, and temperature plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and secure delivery of your order.
If the highest daytime temperature in your location and the lowest nighttime temperature here in Springfield, Virginia—where our facility is situated—fall below 40°F or exceed 90°F, we will proactively delay your order. This measure is taken to prioritize the well-being of the animals and plants.
For the safety of our living cargo and to protect your investment, we retain the right to suspend shipping as necessary due to extreme weather conditions. Our Splashy Fish team will assess the situation and determine if it is unsuitable to ship, considering the safety of the animals.
To stay informed or address any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our dedicated Splashy Fish Support team via email at support@splashyfishstore.com.
Once our team prints and packs your order, we'll notify you via email. This notification will include your tracking number and the expected arrival day. If you opt for UPS 2 Day shipping, your package should arrive within 2 days after shipment. Similarly, if you choose UPS 1 Day, your order will reach you the day after it is shipped. In the case of orders containing only plants or dry goods, they may be shipped via USPS, provided that this is the selected shipping option during checkout.
We ship all of the customer orders from our warehouse located in Springfield, VA. We pack and ship our orders depending on the orders with the exception of someday we cannot ship out live fish.
All Orders: will be shipped out from Monday to Thursday each week for overnight shipping by UPS.
Sunday: (Splashy Day) Today is the day we let our hard-working team members and our fish to destress and ready for the following week's shipment.
For more information regarding about shipping please visit us our Shipping Policy and Schedule
The Butterfly Hillstream Loach (Sewellia breviventralis) is a stunning freshwater algae-grazing fish admired for its striking reticulated golden-and-dark pattern and unique butterfly-shaped fins. With a flattened body perfectly adapted for fast-flowing rivers, this Loach resembles a tiny stingray as it clings to rocks and glass. Peaceful, active, and plant-safe, it makes an excellent addition to well-oxygenated community aquariums.
Originating from the cool, fast-moving streams of Vietnam and Laos, Sewellia breviventralis belongs to the Balitoridae family. Unlike many bottom-dwellers, this species thrives in tanks with high oxygen levels and strong currents. Its beautiful markings and unique movement make it a favorite among aquarists looking for something exotic yet useful for algae control.
At our Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Butterfly Hillstream Loach for sale and other freshwater fish for sale are carefully selected and packed with love! Visit us to buy them online or at our aquarium store in Virginia for more betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, live aquatic plants for sale, and aquarium supplies.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS FISH:
- Unique Movement: Glides gracefully along glass and driftwood like a miniature stingray.
- Constant Grazing: Spends much of its time feeding on algae and biofilm.
- Shy but Peaceful: Works well in groups or with other calm fish species.
- Visual Appeal: Its striking coloration makes it a conversation starter in any tank.
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for one adult
- Temperature: 68° - 75°F (20° - 24°C)
- pH: 6.5 - 7.5
- Hardness: 4 - 12 dGH
- Filtration: Strong, well-oxygenating filtration system; adding a powerhead or wavemaker is recommended to simulate natural river currents
CARE GUIDELINES:
- Diet: Omnivorous with a focus on algae - feed algae wafers, spirulina-based sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (Zucchini, Spinach), and occasional live/frozen protein foods like bloodworms or daphnia.
- Social Behavior: Peaceful and shy - best kept with small, non-aggressive fish such as Rasboras, Tetras, Danios, or other gentle Loaches.
- Origin: Found in fast-flowing, rocky rivers and streams of Vietnam and Laos.
Butterfly Hillstream Loach Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Big Do Butterfly Hillstream Loaches Get?
The Butterfly Hillstream Loach (Sewellia breviventralis) remains a relatively small freshwater fish, reaching an adult size of about 2 - 2.5 inches (5 - 6.5 cm). Despite their compact size, they require tanks with ample floor space and strong water flow to mimic their natural river habitat. Their wide fins allow them to glide effortlessly across rocks and aquarium glass, so long, horizontally oriented tanks are preferred over tall setups.
Are Butterfly Hillstream Loaches Good Algae Eaters?
Yes - they are excellent algae grazers and spend much of their day scraping biofilm and soft green algae from surfaces. Many aquarists add them specifically for their algae-eating abilities. However, it’s important to note that they should not be relied on as the only cleaning crew. In a mature aquarium, they will happily graze natural algae growth, but supplemental feeding with algae wafers, spirulina pellets, and blanched vegetables is essential. Occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia also help ensure they receive enough protein for long-term health.
How long do Butterfly Hillstream Loaches Live?
With proper care, Sewellia breviventralis can live 5 - 7 years in captivity. Their lifespan depends heavily on the quality of care provided - clean, well-oxygenated water, a balanced diet, and minimal stress from aggressive tank mates. A healthy environment not only ensures longevity but also brings out their most vibrant patterns and natural behaviors.
