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Marbled hillstream loach (Sewellia marmorata) — Balitoridae

Marbled hillstream loach

Sewellia marmorata
Family: Balitoridae

The Marbled hillstream loach (Sewellia marmorata) is a freshwater fish of the family Balitoridae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Viet Nam

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Description

The marbled hillstream loach is a hillstream loach (Balitoridae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of Vietnam and Laos in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a flattened, streamlined body with a marbled pattern and broad, horizontally spread pectoral and pelvic fins that together form a suction disc. With it it clamps onto smooth stones in the current and rasps off algae and biofilm. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Marbled hillstream loach?

The Marbled hillstream loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Marbled hillstream loach live?

The Marbled hillstream loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Viet Nam

How big does the Marbled hillstream loach get?

The Marbled hillstream loach grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Marbled hillstream loach dangerous to humans?

No, the Marbled hillstream loach is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Marbled hillstream loach sourced
Scientific name
Sewellia marmorata
Family
Balitoridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: Viet Nam sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Sewellia

More from the family Balitoridae

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