Striped Borneo Sucker Loach

Remarks: The striped Borneo sucker loach is a smaller and attractively patterned species of hillstream loach. There is great variation to the patterns that can be present on their bodies as some will have more uniform yellow or tan stripes and others will be more striated. Some individuals will also have speckles on their face. Their base color can be anywhere from brown to black making for nice contrast with their markings. The striped Borneo sucker loach is known specifically from the upper Sambas River in the West Kalimantan province. It is still debated if they are the same species as Gastromyzon stellatus or separate ones as both are very similar in appearance.

  Like with all hillstream loaches, for the striped Borneo sucker loach to thrive, its natural habitat should be imitated with soft sand, large smooth stones, at least some current, very clean water, and heavy oxygenation. Having a filter with a turnover rate of at least 15-20x per hour will help achieve this. Healthy individuals will display fascinating behaviors when kept in groups as males compete for optimal grazing locations and females. It can be very entertaining to watch competing males circle each other and “rear up” to put on a display.

  These fish are omnivores that require a varied diet that should include biofilm, algae, worms, and small crustaceans to prevent malnutrition. A tight-fitting lid is also required as the flat shape of their bodies work like a suction cup allowing them to climb glass and escape the tank. To ensure the loach feels safe, lots of plants and hiding spaces should be provided. While generally peaceful, the striped Borneo sucker loach can become aggressive toward conspecifics if there is not enough territory space and they are likely to eat small shrimps like cherry shrimps.