see text Balitoridae, the hillstream loaches or river loaches, is a family,[2] of small fish from South, Southeast and East Asia.

They have a number of similarities with the Cobitidae, their sibling family of "loaches", such as multiple barbels around the mouth.

Most species are rheophilic, living in swift, clear and well-oxygenated streams.

Several species of the family live in fast-flowing streams or torrents and have modified ventral fins used for clinging to rocks.

[3] The subfamily Nemacheilinae has recently been separated as a distinct family, Nemacheilidae (stone loaches) and several genera have been separated into the family Gastromyzontidae.