{"product_id":"pseudogastromyzon-ctenocephalus-loach-pseudogastromyzon-ctenocephalus","title":"Pseudogastromyzon Ctenocephalus Loach - Pseudogastromyzon Ctenocephalus","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCtenocephalus Loach (Gastromyzon ctenocephalus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ctenocephalus Loach, Gastromyzon ctenocephalus, is a small specialist hillstream loach from western Borneo recognised by its flattened underside, broad paired fins and fine cream spotting across the darker upper body. Like other Gastromyzon species, it is adapted to life in fast-flowing, highly oxygenated streams where it clings tightly to smooth stones and grazes biofilm and microscopic food from submerged surfaces. Its compact size and unusual sucker-like body shape make it an appealing choice for dedicated river-style aquariums, although it requires cool, clean, oxygen-rich water and a mature supply of natural grazing surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCtenocephalus Loach, Ctenocephalus Hillstream Loach, Borneo Sucker Loach, Blue Dorsal Borneo Sucker.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGastromyzon ctenocephalus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFormerly or incorrectly listed in some aquarium references as Pseudogastromyzon ctenocephalus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 4.5 cm standard length when fully grown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWestern Borneo.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGastromyzon ctenocephalus inhabits clear tropical hillstreams and flowing freshwater environments where the substrate is dominated by smooth stones, pebbles and larger rocks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese habitats are typically shallow, highly oxygenated and exposed to continuous current. Sunlit rock surfaces support dense biofilm, algae and microscopic organisms that provide an important natural feeding resource.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 19–23°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 6.5–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; approximately 4–12°dGH is suitable provided conditions remain stable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful and generally suitable for specialised community aquariums containing other small fish adapted to cool, highly oxygenated flowing water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinor territorial interactions may occur between hillstream loaches competing for preferred grazing stones, but serious aggression is uncommon when sufficient space and feeding surfaces are provided.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeeping a small group can encourage more natural behaviour, provided the aquarium contains numerous individual resting and grazing areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrimarily a biofilm and aufwuchs grazer. In nature, Gastromyzon species feed on microscopic algae, diatoms, microorganisms and fine organic material growing across submerged rocks and other hard surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, provide mature algae-covered stones and established biofilm as an important part of the diet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupplement with high-quality algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, Repashy-style gel foods, finely crushed sinking foods and occasional small frozen foods such as Cyclops, daphnia and Artemia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVegetable and algae-rich foods should form a substantial part of the diet. Feed small portions and ensure food reaches the lower areas of the aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA minimum aquarium volume of approximately 60 litres is recommended for a small group, with a long footprint, strong circulation and numerous smooth stones and grazing surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarger aquariums are preferable when maintaining several hillstream loach species together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA bottom-dwelling hillstream specialist that spends most of its time attached to rocks, aquarium glass and other hard surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts body is highly adapted for life in flowing water. The flattened underside and broad pectoral and pelvic fins help the fish maintain contact with submerged surfaces in strong current.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndividuals continually move between stones while grazing biofilm and microscopic growth. They may remain stationary for extended periods before rapidly moving to another feeding area.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eActivity often increases when fresh food is introduced or when individuals compete for particularly productive grazing stones.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCommunity Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCtenocephalus Loaches are suitable for peaceful specialist community aquariums designed around cool, oxygen-rich flowing water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable companions include small Danio species, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, peaceful hillstream loaches and other rheophilic fish with similar temperature and oxygen requirements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid slow-moving tropical fish that require warm, calm water, as their environmental needs are fundamentally different.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide very high dissolved oxygen levels and strong water circulation. An oversized external filter, additional circulation pump or river-manifold style system can help recreate the flowing conditions preferred by hillstream loaches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain excellent water quality with regular partial water changes. Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero, and nitrate should be kept low.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid maintaining this species permanently at typical warm tropical-community temperatures. Cooler water within approximately 19–23°C more closely reflects its known natural temperature range.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse smooth river stones, rounded pebbles and larger flat rocks as the main aquascaping materials. These surfaces should be exposed to moderate lighting so natural algae and biofilm can develop.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo not thoroughly scrub every rock during maintenance. Leaving selected surfaces covered with natural biofilm ensures a continuous grazing resource.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA mature aquarium is strongly preferred. Newly established or sterile aquariums may not contain enough biofilm to sustain small grazing loaches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide strong flow across part of the aquarium while also creating slightly calmer areas behind rocks where fish can rest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain an open swimming and feeding zone close to the substrate, but include caves, gaps between stones and shaded retreats.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid coarse sharp gravel that could damage the underside of the fish. Smooth gravel, rounded stones or sand can be used between larger rocks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed after observing where the fish naturally gathers. Small sinking foods and gel foods can be placed directly onto flat stones to encourage natural grazing behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen keeping several individuals, provide more feeding stones than fish so dominant specimens cannot monopolise the best surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA tightly fitted aquarium cover is recommended because hillstream loaches can climb surprisingly high on aquarium glass and may reach openings near the waterline.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuarantine new specimens carefully and maintain strong oxygenation throughout transport and acclimation. Hillstream loaches may deteriorate rapidly when exposed to warm, stagnant or poorly oxygenated water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntermediate freshwater fishkeepers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare in trade\u003c\/span\u003e\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":47191689789613,"sku":"AG-104458","price":7.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":47191689822381,"sku":"AG-104459","price":9.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":47191689855149,"sku":"AG-104460","price":12.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/PseudogastromyzonCtenocephalusLoach-PseudogastromyzonCtenocephalus.jpg?v=1786113258","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/pseudogastromyzon-ctenocephalus-loach-pseudogastromyzon-ctenocephalus","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}