Borneo Sucker Loach
Gastromyzon spp.
Also sold as Hong Kong pleco
Synonyms Hillstream loach · Borneo sucker
Borneo Sucker Loach (Gastromyzon spp.) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 4 cm (1.6 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 68–75°F (20–24°C) and pH 6–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 54 L (14 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm (1.6 in) |
| Minimum tank | 54 L (14 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 68–75°F (20–24°C) |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only |
Before it goes in
- Borneo Sucker Loach needs at least 54 L (14 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 15 Gallon.
- Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
- It holds at 68–75°F (20–24°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with German Blue Ram and Discus.
- It grazes algae hard, which is most of the reason people buy it.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
What tank size does it need?
At least 54 L (14 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 15 Gallon.
Will it eat shrimp?
Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.
What water does it want?
68–75°F (20–24°C), pH 6–7.5.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Borneo Sucker Loach | Rosy Loach | Dwarf Chain Loach | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm | 3 cm | 6 cm |
| Min tank | 54 L | 54 L | 75 L |
| Group | 1+ | 8+ | 6+ |
| Temperature | 68–75°F (20–24°C) | 68–79°F (20–26°C) | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only | Shrimplets only | Yes |
More livestock
Sources (2) · checked Sep 2026
- Mature tank, What it eatsaquaticarts.com
- Mature tankaquadiction.world