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Borneo Loach

Borneo Sucker also known as Borneo Loaches and Hong Kong plecos. It is a very interesting freshwater sucker that is found in shallow, clear, fast-flowing waters. It is well-known for its peaceful yet outgoing demeanor, gray body coloration, white spots, and blue fin highlights, and fascinating social behavior with members of its own species.

Description
Additional information

The Borneo sucker is a small, fascinating freshwater fish that has gained a lot of popularity among hobbyists who keep fish. The fish is well-known for its long lifespan, stunning color, amazing patterns and markings, and distinctive shape.

Borneo suckers are bottom-dwellers that thrive in abundant biofilm and algae in cool, oxygen-rich, and swift waters similar to their natural habitat.

A specific group of gastromyzontid loaches that are only found in Borneo are referred to as “Borneo suckers.” 36 species of this group of loaches are included in the genus Gastromyzon.

The Greek words “gaster,” which means “stomach,” and “myzo,” which means “to suckle,” are the source of the name Gastromyzon.

The family of loaches known as Gastromyzontidae, which is found in China and Southeast Asia, includes Gastromyzon; typically in bodies of water with swift currents.

Suckers from Borneo are divided into several species groups. Despite being reproductively isolated, the cryptic species in each group share morphological similarities.

II. You would love the fish because…..

The physical characteristics of Gastromyzon fish vary by species, but it is common to observe two species with similar morphologies but few differences:

Both Gastromyzon ctenocephalus and Gastromyzon scitulus share some similarities, but the blue markings on the dorsal fin of G. ctenocephalus, which are absent in Gastromyzon scitulus, can be used to distinguish the two species.

Additionally, G. ctenocephalus has smaller spots on its sides and top body compared to G. scitulus, which has larger spots on its body. In addition, the caudal fin of G. farragus has two or more bars, whereas the caudal fin of G. ocellatus only has one thick, dark vertical bar in the group of G. ocellatus.

The body color of Gastromyzon species varies, for instance: pale grey in G. zebrinus and G. ridens, dark brown in G. ocellatus and G. farragus, and dark brown in G. ctenocephalus.

In addition to having numerous soft rays and a snout that is broadly round when viewed dorsally, they have eyes on top of their heads. A pouch-like structure that is close to the snout is known as a post-oral pouch, and some species have it.

Genus Gastromyzon exhibit depressed head and body, fusion of pelvic fins, and horizontal orientation of paired fins as morphological adaptations for bottom-dwelling in torrential streams.

They are able to cling to rocks and boulders thanks to these adaptive features, which form a powerful suction cup and prevent them from being swept away by swift water currents. Subsequently, Borneo suckers are equipped for creeping along and taking care of off the green growth present on the rocks.

Note: The spots lose their color and become nearly indistinguishable under stress.

.III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

It’s a peaceful loach

IV. Species compatibility

The Borneo Sucker should be kept in groups, especially as an adult. This species gets along well in tanks with most small rasboras, tetras, hillstream loaches, gobies, and other peaceful fish.

V. How to feed this species?

In nature, the Borneo Sucker eats algae and biofilm. It is known to usually eat frozen meat, but only on occasion because most biofilm grazers can die from eating too much protein.

Weight	1 kg
Dimensions	15 × 20 × 30 cm
Family	Gastromyzontidae
Scientific Name	Pangio shelfordii
Tank size	20+ gallons for a small group
Special Diet	sinking dried foods, regular meals of live or frozen daphnia, brine shrimp or bloodworm
Native To	Malaysian Borneo
Care Level	Easy
Max water Temp	77 °F
Min Water Temp	65 °F
pH Max	7.5
pH Min	6.5
Max size	6cm
Sizes	3.5 cm, 5 cm