The hillstream loaches or river loaches are a familyBalitoridae1 of small Eurasianfish. 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. 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 looks similar but is a family of catfish. The family includes over 600 species in more than 60 genera. Many of the species are popular for aquaria.
