All fish / Gastromyzontidae

Gastromyzon introrsus

Gastromyzon introrsus

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

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A small, flattened hillstream loach from Bornean forest streams, shaped like a sucker disc with a brown body marked by pale spots or vermiculations. It clings to rocks in fast, cool, well-oxygenated water and grazes on biofilm. Keepers like it for its unusual shape and interesting grazing and territorial displays.

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; offer algae wafers, repashy-style gel foods, blanched vegetables and small frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern Borneo: Sarawak, Malaysia (upper Rajang basin area)

Breeding

Rarely bred in home aquariums; captive spawnings of Gastromyzon are occasional and usually happen by chance in mature, flowing tanks. Nearly all fish sold are wild caught.

Good to know

Needs strong flow, high oxygen and smooth rocks with plenty of biofilm; it does poorly in warm, still tanks. Many Gastromyzon species look alike and are often sold under the wrong names.