{"product_id":"green-laser-loach-gastromyzon-lepidogaster","title":"Green Laser Loach - Gastromyzon lepidogaster","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGreen Laser Loach (Gastromyzon lepidogaster)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Green Laser Loach is a rare and eye-catching hillstream loach from northern Borneo, prized for its flattened sucker-like body, smooth clinging fins and beautiful green to blue-green sheen over a darker patterned base. Also known as the Green Borneo Sucker or Green Laser Borneo Sucker Loach, this specialist freshwater loach is adapted for life in fast-flowing, highly oxygenated streams. In the aquarium it is a fascinating grazer that spends much of its time attached to rocks, glass and décor while feeding across mature surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGreen Laser Loach. Also commonly referred to as the Green Laser Borneo Sucker Loach, Green Borneo Sucker, Green Hillstream Loach or Borneo Sucker Loach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGastromyzon lepidogaster\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUp to around 10 cm in scientific records, although many aquarium specimens are usually seen around 5–8 cm.\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\u003eNative to northern Borneo, with records including the Temburong River drainage. Like other Borneo sucker loaches, it is associated with shallow, fast-flowing, highly oxygenated streams and riffle zones where it can cling to smooth rocks and graze on biofilm, algae and tiny microorganisms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTemperature: 18–24°C\u003cbr\u003epH Range: 6.0–7.5\u003cbr\u003eHardness: soft to moderately hard water\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeaceful and non-aggressive. It is best kept with other calm, current-loving fish that will not outcompete it or disturb it constantly. It should not be mixed with large aggressive fish, warm-water species or boisterous bottom-dwellers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOmnivorous grazer. It should be offered a varied diet including algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, fine sinking foods, catfish pellets and small frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp and mosquito larvae. It also benefits greatly from natural algae, biofilm and aufwuchs growth within a mature aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA practical recommendation is at least 80–100 litres for a small group, with a longer aquarium preferred so strong directional flow and open grazing areas can be provided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a specialist bottom and surface-grazing loach that spends much of its time attached to smooth rocks, glass, wood and décor. It is best kept in a group where possible and will often choose high-flow areas with strong oxygenation. In the right setup, it can be active and visible during the day, moving between rocks and grazing surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCommunity Fish \/ Specialist\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis species is peaceful enough for a community aquarium, but it is classed as specialist because of its environmental needs rather than aggression. Best kept with small, peaceful, cooler-water species such as White Cloud Mountain Minnows, peaceful danios, small gobies and other suitable hillstream loaches. Avoid goldfish aquariums, tropical tanks kept too warm, low-flow setups and species that prefer still water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis fish needs a mature river-style aquarium with strong flow, excellent aeration, high dissolved oxygen and very clean water. Smooth rocks, cobbles, bright lighting for algae growth and open grazing surfaces are strongly recommended. It should not be added to new, sterile or poorly oxygenated aquariums. Extra powerheads, venturi flow or air stones can be useful, especially during warmer weather when oxygen levels drop.\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\u003eRare \/ occasional in trade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":45963113103533,"sku":"AG-102750","price":29.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":45963113136301,"sku":"AG-102751","price":34.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":45963113169069,"sku":"AG-102752","price":36.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":45963113201837,"sku":"AG-102753","price":39.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/GreenLaserLoach-TopDownGastromyzonlepidogaster.jpg?v=1777544376","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/green-laser-loach-gastromyzon-lepidogaster","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}