Zebra Borneo sucker
Gastromyzon zebrinus
A boldly barred Bornean hillstream loach that clings to rocks with surprising grip.
About
A small hillstream loach from the fast-flowing rivers of Borneo, Gastromyzon zebrinus is endemic to the upper Sambas River basin in Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia. Its most recognizable feature is a jet-black body crossed by 11 to 13 thin cream bars along the dorsal surface, with the head peppered in small cream spots rather than bars. This patterning can cause confusion with its close relative G. stellatus, and the two are considered cryptospecies. Morphologically near-identical but reproductively isolated by a mountain range. Like all members of its family, the body is flattened and the paired fins are oriented horizontally, with the pelvic fins fused into a powerful suction cup that lets the fish anchor itself to rocks in torrential current. Open-water swimming is minimal; these fish essentially crawl across submerged surfaces in search of algae and biofilm. Despite being listed as territorial, the aggression is relatively low-key, mostly squabbling over prime feeding spots, and the species is generally forgiving enough for newer keepers with the right setup. A group of four or more is recommended to bring out their natural social behavior. Tankmates should be small and non-competitive; robust or boisterous fish are poor choices. Breeding in captivity has not been documented for this species specifically.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Zebra Borneo sucker
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Zebra Borneo sucker get?
- The Zebra Borneo sucker reaches about 1.5–2.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Zebra Borneo sucker need?
- A minimum of 18 gallons is recommended for the Zebra Borneo sucker.
- What water parameters does the Zebra Borneo sucker need?
- The Zebra Borneo sucker does best with a temperature of 68–82°F, a pH of 6–7.5, hardness around 1–12 dGH.
- Is the Zebra Borneo sucker aggressive?
- The Zebra Borneo sucker is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the Zebra Borneo sucker eat?
- The Zebra Borneo sucker is a herbivore. It needs a plant-based diet such as algae, blanched vegetables, or spirulina-based foods.