UFO Loach: The Alien of the Aquarium with a Purpose
Beaufortia kweichowensis

The UFO Loach, also known as the Chinese Hillstream Loach or Butterfly Loach, is one of the most uniquely shaped and fascinating freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. With a body that resembles a tiny spaceship and behavior that’s both active and endearing, the UFO Loach is a must-have for aquarists who love personality and function wrapped in one compact fish.

A Truly One-of-a-Kind Look

The name “UFO Loach” comes from its flattened, disc-like body and broad pectoral fins, which give it an unmistakable alien or “flying saucer” silhouette. This design isn’t just for looks—it’s evolved to help the loach cling to rocks in fast-flowing mountain streams in southern China. Its underslung mouth allows it to graze biofilm and algae from surfaces with ease, making it a natural algae-control companion in the right tank.

Behavior & Temperament

UFO Loaches are peaceful, active, and curious, often seen gliding over glass, rocks, and driftwood. While somewhat shy at first, they tend to become bolder in groups and will spend more time in view once they feel safe.

Though they don’t harass other tank mates, they thrive in a group of 3 or more, showing interesting social behavior and forming loose hierarchies.

Habitat & Tank Setup

These loaches require cool, well-oxygenated water with strong flow, mimicking their native river environments. A specialized setup will ensure they thrive and remain healthy long-term.

Ideal Conditions:

• Tank Size: 20 gallons or more

• Temperature: 68–75°F (20–24°C)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Substrate: Smooth river rocks, pebbles, and sand

• Décor: Plenty of flat surfaces for grazing; caves and hiding spots

• Filtration: Strong filtration with high oxygenation and current

• Lighting: Moderate – enhances algae and biofilm growth

Tip: Adding a powerhead or spray bar helps simulate river-like current, which these fish love.

Diet & Feeding

In the wild, UFO Loaches feed on algae, biofilm, and small invertebrates. In the aquarium, they should be offered a varied diet to mimic their natural feeding habits.

Feed them:

• Algae wafers and spirulina-based sinking foods

• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)

• Frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms

• Occasional gel foods and sinking carnivore pellets

Encouraging natural algae growth on rocks and tank walls provides grazing opportunities and enriches their environment.

Compatibility

UFO Loaches are best suited to peaceful community tanks, especially those with other cool-water or river-dwelling species. They coexist well with:

• White Cloud Mountain Minnows

• Danios

• Other hillstream loaches

• Small rasboras

• Shrimp and snails (generally safe, but avoid tiny baby shrimp)

Avoid aggressive or high-temperature tropical species that may outcompete them or stress them out.

Breeding

Breeding UFO Loaches in captivity is rare and requires very specific environmental conditions. While some aquarists have reported spawning behavior, it usually occurs in large, highly mature setups with seasonal temperature shifts and abundant flow.

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Final Thoughts

The UFO Loach isn’t just a novelty—it’s a highly functional, peaceful, and visually stunning addition to any coolwater or river-style aquarium. With its otherworldly appearance and algae-grazing skills, it’s both form and function in a single fish. Keep them in a group, provide proper flow, and you’ll enjoy the quirky charm of these miniature aquatic aliens for years to come.