Fin's Fish Guide
The Smith's hillstream loach (Homalopteroides smithi) is a freshwater fish of the family Balitoridae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The Smith's hillstream loach is a hillstream loach (Balitoridae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, flattened body with broad pectoral and pelvic fins with which it presses to stones against the current, and small barbels. As a bottom-dweller it lives among gravel and rocks of oxygen-rich streams and rasps algae and biofilm and snaps at insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smith's hillstream loach?
The Smith's hillstream loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Smith's hillstream loach live?
The Smith's hillstream loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand
How big does the Smith's hillstream loach get?
The Smith's hillstream loach grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Smith's hillstream loach dangerous to humans?
No, the Smith's 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Balitoridae
Want the complete picture on the Smith's hillstream loach?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smith's hillstream loach is one of 12,519 species in the app.