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Myers' hillstream loach (Pseudogastromyzon myersi) — Balitoridae

Myers' hillstream loach

Pseudogastromyzon myersi
Family: Balitoridae

The Myers' hillstream loach (Pseudogastromyzon myersi) is a brackish-water fish of the family Balitoridae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Brackish
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

Myers' hillstream loach is a hillstream loach (Balitoridae) from fast-flowing fresh water of southern China. 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. As a bottom-dweller it rasps algae and biofilm from rocks in clear, oxygen-rich streams. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Myers' hillstream loach?

The Myers' hillstream loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Myers' hillstream loach live?

The Myers' hillstream loach lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Myers' hillstream loach get?

The Myers' hillstream loach grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 3 cm.

Is the Myers' hillstream loach dangerous to humans?

No, the Myers' hillstream loach is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Myers bergbeekloach sourced
English name
Myers' hillstream loach sourced
Scientific name
Pseudogastromyzon myersi
Family
Balitoridae
Other names
Sucker-belly loach sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Pseudogastromyzon

More from the family Balitoridae

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