The hillstream loaches are a family (Balitoridae) of small Eurasian fish that generally live in fast-flowing streams and have a large sucker mouth and modified ventral fins used for clinging to rocks. They have a number of similarities with the sibling family of loaches (Cobitidae), such as multiple barbels[?] around the mouth. They should not be confused with Plecostomus[?], which looks similar but is a type of catfish.
The family includes over 500 species in at least 52 genera. Many of the species are popular for aquaria.
