{"product_id":"blue-tail-borneo-loach-gastromyzon-sp-sk03","title":"Blue Tail Borneo Loach - Gastromyzon sp.SK03","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlue Tail Borneo Loach (Gastromyzon sp. SK03)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Tail Borneo Loach, Gastromyzon sp. SK03, is a specialist hillstream loach with a flattened sucker-like body, patterned brown to olive upper surface and attractive blue tones in the tail and fins. Also known as the Blue Tail Borneo Sucker or Blue Tail Hillstream Loach, this rheophilic species is adapted for life on smooth rocks in fast, oxygen-rich streams. It is peaceful and fascinating to watch, but it is not a general community “algae eater” and needs a mature aquarium with high oxygen, strong water movement and constant grazing surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlue Tail Borneo Loach, Blue Tail Borneo Sucker, Blue Tail Hillstream Loach, Borneo Sucker Loach, Gastromyzon SK03.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGastromyzon sp. SK03\u003cbr\u003eUnidentified trade form; may be confused with related blue-finned Gastromyzon species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsually around 4–6 cm, depending on the exact species and collection form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBorneo, most likely from clear, shallow, fast-flowing hill streams and rocky river systems. Gastromyzon species are adapted to clean, oxygen-saturated water with smooth stones, boulders, current, biofilm and aufwuchs growth. They cling to rock surfaces using their flattened body and specialised fins, grazing as they move.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTemperature: 20–24°C\u003cbr\u003epH Range: 6.5–7.5\u003cbr\u003eHardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; stable, clean and highly oxygenated water is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeaceful, but may show mild territorial behaviour with its own kind over favourite rocks or feeding spots. It is not aggressive towards other fish and is best kept with calm species that enjoy cooler, well-oxygenated water. Avoid large, aggressive or very boisterous tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBiofilm and aufwuchs grazer with a need for supplementary feeding. In the aquarium, provide mature surfaces with natural algae and biofilm, plus sinking algae wafers, spirulina foods, fine sinking pellets, Repashy-style gel foods, blanched courgette, cucumber, spinach and occasional small frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops or brineshrimp. They should not be expected to survive only by cleaning glass algae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA minimum of 75 litres is recommended for a small group, with 90 litres or more preferred. A long, shallow footprint with strong flow and plenty of rock surface is much better than a tall, still aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA bottom and rock-surface dwelling loach that spends much of its time clinging to stones, glass, wood and broad surfaces while grazing. It is best kept in a small group of at least 3–5, provided there is enough space and feeding area. They are most comfortable in aquariums with rounded river stones, strong oxygenation, open flow channels and quieter resting areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCommunity Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSuitable for specialist cool-tropical communities with peaceful fish such as White Cloud Mountain Minnows, small danios, peaceful hillstream loaches, smaller rheophilic barbs, Stiphodon gobies in suitable setups and other calm species that enjoy similar flow and temperature. Avoid warm tropical community tanks, aggressive cichlids, large predators, fin-nippers and fish that dislike strong water movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis species needs a mature, well-oxygenated aquarium with strong filtration, added flow and excellent water quality. Use smooth river stones, pebbles, sand or fine gravel, and bright enough lighting to encourage natural biofilm growth. Avoid newly set up aquariums, low-oxygen tanks, dirty substrate and prolonged high temperatures. Extra aeration is strongly recommended, especially during warm weather. A secure lid is sensible, as hillstream loaches can climb glass and explore gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIntermediate fishkeepers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOccasional \/ specialist import \/ usually wild-caught where relevant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":46133967388845,"sku":"AG-103597","price":9.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":46133967421613,"sku":"AG-103598","price":14.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":46133967454381,"sku":"AG-103599","price":19.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/BlueTailBorneoLoach-Gastromyzonsp.SK03_1.jpg?v=1781794908","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/blue-tail-borneo-loach-gastromyzon-sp-sk03","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}