Borneo Sucker

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to forest streams of Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). Unlike Sewellia, it doesn't live in exposed rapids but in slower jungle streams, often in softer, slightly acidic, less turbulent waters under heavy canopy.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Small Gastromyzontidae (up to 4-5 cm). Less 'extreme' than Sewellia: retains a flat ventral suction shape, but pectoral fins are not as wide or continuous. Small eyes, ventral scraping mouth.

Social Behavior: Very peaceful, lacking the extreme male territorial 'capping' behavior of its cousins. Spends time grazing biofilm off glass and smooth stones. Timid and passive: if bullied by boisterous bottom-dwellers, it will hide and starve. Keep in groups of 5-6+.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Very dark: jet black back covered in dense, tiny blue/gold dots (ctenocephalus). The hidden beauty lies in its fins (tail, dorsal, anal) which show striking turquoise or electric blue borders, often with fire-red streaks. Females are rounder.

Tank Setup: Manageable in smaller tanks (60-80+ liters). Asian forest stream layout: smooth river rocks, simple smooth driftwood, and heavier planting (Java Fern, moss) than other hillstream loaches. Current doesn't need to be a 'washing machine', just a good flow (5x-10x turnover) with excellent surface agitation.

Feeding: Benthic grazer. Scrapes biofilm and soft green algae dust off the aquarium glass (will not eat hair algae or BBA). Must be daily supplemented with sinking wafers (spirulina/meaty mix) or blanched cucumber tied to a rock. Easily outcompeted by Corydoras at feeding time.

Water Quality: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral water: pH 6.0-7.5. Temperatures should be moderate: 22-25°C, but never above 26°C. Highly sensitive to nitrogenous waste (keep nitrates below 15 mg/L).

Compatibility: Perfect, peaceful 'glass-clinging' loach for setups with small Rasboras (Chili Rasboras, Harlequins) and calm gouramis. Unfit to live with any cichlids (even peaceful Rams) or aggressive Plecos, as they will be intimidated into starvation.

Reproduction: Extremely rare in standard home aquaria. Non-adhesive eggs deposited in deep rock crevices.

Risks: 1. Starvation. Often die weeks after purchase because new, 'pristine' tanks lack biofilm and they fail to compete with fast fish for wafers. 2. Algaecides and copper meds are lethal due to their scaleless bodies.