Borneo Sucker
Gastromyzon spp.
Description
The Borneo Sucker is a unique and attractive freshwater fish known for its distinctive sucker-like mouth, which it uses to cling to rocks, plants, and tank surfaces. Its body is elongated and somewhat flattened, usually exhibiting a range of colors from brown to greenish tones, often with darker markings or spots along its body. These fish have an elegant appearance, with small, whisker-like barbels around the mouth. The Borneo Sucker is an active bottom-dwelling species that primarily feeds on algae, detritus, and organic matter found on surfaces in the aquarium. It is a peaceful and non-aggressive species that does well in groups or with other small, peaceful fish.
Habitat Origin
Native to the rivers and streams of Borneo and parts of Southeast Asia, where they inhabit fast-flowing, clear waters with rocky or plant-covered substrates. These fish are often found in shallow areas with moderate water flow and plenty of hiding spots, such as crevices and plant cover.
Aquarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: At least 3-4 individuals, as they are social and feel more secure in groups.
Favorite Food
Borneo Suckers are primarily algae eaters, and they will graze on algae, biofilm, and detritus found on tank surfaces, rocks, and plants. In captivity, they can be supplemented with algae wafers, blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini, and occasionally small protein-based foods like bloodworms or daphnia. A varied diet, including both plant matter and protein, will help maintain their health and vibrant coloration.
Behavior:
The Borneo Sucker is a peaceful fish, generally not aggressive toward other tankmates. It is a bottom-dweller and is most often seen clinging to rocks, plants, or the aquarium substrate, where it forages for food. These fish are not schooling fish like some species, but they do better in groups, where they can interact with each other and feel secure. While they are peaceful, they can become territorial during feeding, especially if there is competition for food sources. They are relatively shy and may prefer hiding in caves or among plants if they feel threatened.
Special Care:
Borneo Suckers prefer a tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as plants, driftwood, and rocks, as they tend to hide when feeling stressed or threatened. A well-filtered tank with clean water and moderate water flow is ideal, as these fish are accustomed to fast-moving, clear waters. They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions, and regular water changes are important to maintain a healthy environment. A soft or sandy substrate is recommended, as it helps prevent damage to their delicate barbels and is more comfortable for their bottom-dwelling nature.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Yes, Borneo Suckers are generally compatible with peaceful, small to medium-sized fish, especially other bottom-dwellers or fish that occupy different water layers in the tank. They do well with species like tetras, rasboras, small catfish, and other algae eaters. Avoid keeping them with larger or more aggressive fish, as their peaceful nature may make them vulnerable to bullying. As they are bottom-dwelling, it’s essential to ensure that other tankmates are not overly dominant in that area of the tank.
Breeding Tank Setup
A dedicated breeding tank is essential for Borneo Suckers, as they require fast-moving, oxygen-rich water that mimics their natural stream habitats. A 20-gallon (75-liter) tank is ideal for a breeding pair, while a 30-gallon (113-liter) setup works better for multiple pairs. Maintain a pH of 6.5–7.5, temperature between 24–28°C (75–82°F), and hardness of 4–10 dGH. Use fine gravel or sand substrate and include features like smooth rocks, driftwood, and live plants such as Java moss and Hornwort. Install a canister filter or powerhead to generate a gentle current. Use moderate lighting with a 10–12 hour cycle to replicate their natural day/night rhythm.
Conditioning the Breeding Pair
To prepare Borneo Suckers for spawning, provide a nutritious and varied diet. Offer high-quality bottom-dweller pellets, along with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Supplement with vegetable-based options like blanched spinach, zucchini, or peas to balance nutrition and support overall health. Perform weekly 20–30% water changes, and to simulate the breeding season, do a larger 50% water change and slightly raise the temperature to 28°C (82°F), mimicking seasonal rains that trigger spawning behavior.
Spawning Process
Spawning typically occurs in the morning or shortly after environmental triggers like temperature shifts or large water changes. Males chase and display colors to attract females. The female deposits 20–100 sticky eggs on rocks, plants, or tank decorations, which the male fertilizes shortly after. Because adults might consume the eggs or fry, it’s important to remove the parents once spawning is complete to protect the developing eggs.
Fry Development & Care
Eggs hatch within 3–5 days, depending on the water temperature. Newly hatched fry rely on their yolk sacs for nourishment during the first few days. Once free-swimming, feed them infusoria or liquid fry food, and as they grow, introduce baby brine shrimp, microworms, or soft algae-based foods. The fry also naturally graze on biofilm and algae. Maintain excellent water quality with daily or alternate-day water changes (10–20%), and ensure temperature remains stable at 24–28°C. Avoid overfeeding, as decaying food can quickly pollute the water and harm the fry.
Maturity, Sexing & Stress Prevention
Borneo Suckers typically reach sexual maturity around 6–12 months. Males tend to be smaller and more vividly colored, especially during breeding season, while females are rounder and slightly larger when gravid. Avoid stressors such as sudden changes in pH, temperature, or hardness, as these can disrupt breeding and harm the fish. Ensure consistent filtration, good oxygenation, and a peaceful tank environment free from aggressive tank mates to maximize breeding success.