{"product_id":"borneo-hillstream-loach-gastromyzon-punctulatus","title":"Borneo Hillstream Loach (Gastromyzon punctulatus)","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBorneo Hillstream Loach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGastromyzon punctulatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) is a fascinating and highly sought-after algae-grazing fish, perfectly adapted to life in fast-flowing mountain streams. With its flattened body, wide pectoral fins, and unique sucker-like shape, this remarkable species is both an effective algae eater and an eye-catching addition to any aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative to the clear, cool streams of Borneo, these loaches thrive in aquariums with excellent water quality, strong water movement, and high oxygen levels. They spend much of their time clinging to rocks, driftwood, and aquarium glass while grazing on algae and biofilm, making them an excellent choice for mature planted aquariums and river-style setups.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBorneo Hillstream Loaches are peaceful and do well with other non-aggressive fish. They can be kept individually or in small groups, where they often display interesting social interactions without causing serious harm. Plenty of smooth rocks, driftwood, and hiding places will help them feel secure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough they are excellent algae grazers, Borneo Hillstream Loaches should not rely on algae alone. Supplement their diet with quality sinking algae wafers, Repashy gel foods, spirulina-based foods, and occasional frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and baby brine shrimp. A mature aquarium with plenty of natural biofilm is ideal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy We Like This Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnique sucker-like body adapted to fast-flowing water\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent algae and biofilm grazer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful and ideal for community aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerfect for planted and river-style aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFascinating behaviour and constant activity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Tank Parameters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 20–25°C\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6.5–7.8\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 2–12 dGH\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 60 litres\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreferred Setup:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Strong water flow, high oxygen levels, smooth rocks, driftwood, and a mature aquarium with natural algae growth\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Omnivore – feeds on algae, biofilm, sinking algae wafers, Repashy, spirulina foods, and frozen foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Peaceful.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSocial Behaviour:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Can be kept singly or in small groups.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Borneo.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 5–6 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bottom and hard surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompatibility:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Excellent with White Cloud Mountain Minnows, danios, small rasboras, Corydoras, Stiphodon gobies, peaceful tetras, and ornamental shrimp. Avoid housing with large, aggressive fish or species that require very warm water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease note: Sample photos are for reference only. Colour, size, and markings may vary slightly as each fish is unique.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Top Fin Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43766927196234,"sku":null,"price":22.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0594\/4436\/3338\/files\/borneoloach.jpg?v=1782985614","url":"https:\/\/www.topfinaquatics.co.nz\/products\/borneo-hillstream-loach-gastromyzon-punctulatus","provider":"Top Fin Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}