All fish / Gastromyzontidae

Gastromyzon farragus

Gastromyzon farragus

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

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This is a small, flattened hillstream loach from Sabah that clings to rocks with its sucker-like body. It is brown with paler spots or vermiculations, and keepers like it for its unusual shape and constant grazing on stones and glass.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

20 to 24 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Group of 4 or more with plenty of rocks to divide territories

Diet

Omnivore: grazes biofilm and algae; offer algae wafers, blanched vegetables and small frozen foods such as bloodworm

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia)

Breeding

Spawning in aquariums is rarely reported and little is documented. Mature, well-fed groups in long-established tanks with strong flow give the best chance.

Good to know

It needs cool, highly oxygenated water with strong flow and will not cope with warm, still tanks. Gastromyzon species look very alike and are often sold under the wrong name, and males squabble over territory.