Hillstream Loach

Hillstream Loach

The hillstream loaches or river loaches are a family, the Balitoridae, of small Eurasian fish (a single species, Afronemacheilus abyssinicus is from Africa). Many of the species are popular for aquaria. They have a number of similarities with the Cobitidae, their sibling family of "loaches", such as multiple barbels around the mouth. They should not be confused with the loricariids, which look similar but are a family of catfish.

Most species are rheophilic, living in swift, clear and well-oxygenated streams. Several species of the subfamily Balitorinae live in fast-flowing streams or torrents and have modified ventral fins used for clinging to rocks.

Sometimes, the Balitoridae are restricted to what is here considered the subfamily Balitorinae, with the Nemacheilinae treated as distinct family Nemacheilidae.