All fish / Gastromyzontidae

Gastromyzon aeroides

Gastromyzon aeroides

Also known as borneo sucker loach, hillstream loach, borneo hillstream loach, gastromyzon sp., ガストロミゾン, 婆罗洲吸盘鱼, 平鳍鳅

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A small, flattened hillstream loach with a sucker-like body shape that lets it cling to rocks in fast water, marked with pale spots or vermiculations on a dark brown back. It is kept for its unusual look and its habit of grazing algae and biofilm off stones and glass.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

20 to 24 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Group of 3 or more

Diet

Omnivore: grazes biofilm and algae, plus sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables and small frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia), hill streams

Breeding

Rarely bred in home aquariums; eggs are thought to be scattered among gravel in flowing water. Most fish in the trade are wild caught.

Good to know

Needs cool, very well oxygenated, flowing water with smooth rocks and mature biofilm, and should not go into a new tank. Many Gastromyzon species look alike and are often sold under the wrong name.