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Borneo sucker loach (Gastromyzon borneensis) — Balitoridae

Borneo sucker loach

Gastromyzon borneensis
Family: Balitoridae

The Borneo sucker loach (Gastromyzon borneensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Balitoridae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Brunei Darsm, Indonesia, Malaysia

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Description

The Borneo sucker loach is a hillstream loach (Gastromyzontidae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of Borneo in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a flattened, streamlined body with broad, horizontally spread pectoral and pelvic fins that together form a suction disc with which it clings to smooth stones in strong current. As a bottom-dweller it rasps algae and biofilm from rocks in oxygen-rich streams. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Borneo sucker loach?

The Borneo sucker loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Borneo sucker loach live?

The Borneo sucker loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Brunei Darsm, Indonesia, Malaysia

How big does the Borneo sucker loach get?

The Borneo sucker loach grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Borneo sucker loach dangerous to humans?

No, the Borneo sucker loach is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Borneo sucker loach sourced
Scientific name
Gastromyzon borneensis
Family
Balitoridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: Brunei Darsm, Indonesia, Malaysia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Balitoridae

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