BORNEO SUCKER (PSEUDOGASTROMYZON MYERSI)

The Borneo Loach is a member of the hillstream loach family and is likewise one of the most unique-looking critters we have to offer. This fish’s beautiful, hydrodynamic shape is embellished with a dappled pattern that resembles polka-dots. They are generally a dark charcoal or brown color with small, very round light green or beige spots.

Overview

Borneo Loaches are also known as Borneo Suckers or Hong Kong plecos. These fish come from the rapid-moving streams of Asia, and their streamlined bodies are built to withstand those strong currents. Specifically, these loaches were named for the island of Borneo, which is located in Malaysia. Due to their hydrodynamic shape and the conditions of their natural habitat makes it clear that these fish prefer a fast-moving, oxygen-rich environment like the streams they came from, and these conditions can be replicated in your aquarium by installing powerheads. They also prefer to live in tanks with live aquatic plants for cover (such as java moss, anubias barteri, green cabomba, etc.). Otherwise, hillstream loaches are relatively easy to care for as long as water parameters remain stable.

These are freshwater fish and are suitable for community tanks because of their peaceful nature – they are totally safe to keep with other non-aggressive fish, snails, shrimp, and live plants. We sell these fish in schools of 3 or more because they are known to do best in groups of 3 or more. Like other hillstream loaches, they need plenty of oxygen in the tank to survive, as well as colder temperatures (68-75°F). Warmer water has less oxygen in it, so this fish is not likely to survive in temperatures above 75°. They should be kept in water with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level. These fish make an ideal tank mate for other types of hillstream loaches and goldfish, since all of these fish require colder water temperatures.