Borneo Hillstream Loach (Gastromyzon borneensis)
| Borneo Hillstream Loach Gastromyzon borneensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Borneo Hillstream Loach |
| Name Lat. | Gastromyzon borneensis |
| Family | Hillstream Loaches |
| Family lat. | Gastromyzontidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Borneo |
| Habitat | Mountain streams |
| Diet | Limnivore |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 6 cm |
| Temperature | 20-24 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2.4" |
| Temperature | 68-75 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Borneo fin sucker is the north of Borneo. They live in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich mountain streams, often immediately before or after waterfalls, among rocks, boulders and round river pebbles densely covered with algae.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have robust planting, strong lighting, a substrate of sand and round-grained gravel, large rounded stones and roots (hiding places). They need oxygenated water and a very strong current.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They eat the plant cover (growth) of stones and wood and the microorganisms contained therein. For a balanced diet, feed them once a day with a high-quality sinking dry food (granules, tablets) as well as cyclops, daphnia or mosquito larvae (live or frozen). In addition, they need vegetable food, such as crushed peas, scalded spinach or algae leaves. It is recommended to coat stones or roots with a slurry of spirulina, chlorella and other algae powder and place them in the aquarium after they have dried
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are active and very peaceful fish that can be kept well with other peaceful fish. At least 5 Borneo Fin Suckers should be kept together.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The females are larger and more plump than the males.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
They have large pectoral and pelvic fins, which are formed as adhesive organs and with which they can attach themselves to stones in the fast-flowing waters. When changing location, they swim only short distances, fast and shallow over the bottom, to immediately suck themselves back in.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the pollutant load has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF