Beaufortia leveretti, commonly known as the Butterfly Loach, is a fascinating freshwater fish that has captured the attention of aquarists worldwide.

Known by a variety of common names, including the Butterfly Algae Eater, Chinese Butterfly Loach, and Hillstream Loach, this species is prized for its distinct appearance and unique adaptations to fast-flowing water environments.

Native to the hill streams of China and Vietnam, the Butterfly Loach is best suited to subtropical aquariums that replicate its natural habitat.

They prefer cool, highly oxygenated water with temperatures ranging from 65° to 75°F. These waters are often moderately hard and neutral to slightly basic, providing an ideal environment for this hardy species.

Setting up the perfect aquarium for the Butterfly Loach involves simulating the strong currents and oxygen-rich waters of their native hill streams.

A powerful water flow can be achieved using a large powerhead or canister filter return, which provides the necessary current to keep these loaches comfortable. A substrate of coarse gravel and strategically placed stones mimics their natural environment, offering a place for them to anchor with their distinctive suction-like fins.

One of the primary dietary needs of the Butterfly Loach is algae, making them excellent algae eaters for controlling growth in aquariums. While plant-based sinking foods make up the bulk of their diet, they will also consume various sinking food types.

Breeding Butterfly Loaches in captivity has been occasionally reported, though it remains a challenge for many aquarists. The combination of their peaceful disposition and intriguing behavior makes them a popular choice for Asian hillstream biotope tanks, where they coexist harmoniously with other non-aggressive species.