Borneo Loach - Care guide
The Borneo Loach is a member of the hillstream loach family and is likewise one of the most unique-looking critters we have to offer. This fish's beautiful, hydrodynamic shape is embellished with a dappled pattern that resembles polka-dots. They are generally a dark charcoal or brown color with small, very round light green or beige spots.
Overview
Borneo Loaches are also known as Borneo Suckers or Hong Kong plecos. These fish come from the rapid-moving streams of Asia, and their streamlined bodies are built to withstand those strong currents. Specifically, these loaches were named for the island of Borneo, which is located in Malaysia. Due to their hydrodynamic shape and the conditions of their natural habitat makes it clear that these fish prefer a fast-moving, oxygen-rich environment like the streams they came from, and these conditions can be replicated in your aquarium by installing powerheads. They also prefer to live in tanks with live aquatic plants for cover (such as java moss, anubias barteri, green cabomba, etc.). Otherwise, hillstream loaches are relatively easy to care for as long as water parameters remain stable.
These are freshwater fish and are suitable for community tanks because of their peaceful nature - they are totally safe to keep with other non-aggressive fish, snails, shrimp, and live plants. We sell these fish in schools of 3 or more because they are known to do best in groups of 3 or more. Like other hillstream loaches, they need plenty of oxygen in the tank to survive, as well as colder temperatures (68-75°F). Warmer water has less oxygen in it, so this fish is not likely to survive in temperatures above 75°. They should be kept in water with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level. These fish make an ideal tank mate for other types of hillstream loaches and goldfish, since all of these fish require colder water temperatures.
Species
Beaufortia kweichowensis
Size
These fish range from 1½ inches to 2½ inches in length.
Recommended Tank Parameters
- pH level range: 6.0 to 8.0
- Temperature range: 68° to 75° F
- Water type: kH 4-12
- Notes from the owner:
- It's best to use sand or fine gravel as substrate in an aquarium with loaches and other types of bottom-dwellers. Other types of substrate may have sharp edges that can be abrasive to the fish as they swim along the bottom of the tank.
- All hillstream loaches thrive best in schools of three fish or more.
- It is also important to provide plenty of hiding and resting places for these fish, which can be provided by driftwood and sturdy plants.
- Hillstream loaches require especially clean water, so we recommend weekly water changes of about 30%.
Feeding
Hillstream loaches are omnivores and grazers, so they will feed on algae and biofilm in your tank. They also like most kinds of live foods, such as insect larvae, tubifex, daphnia, and frozen or live brine shrimp. They will also eat fish flakes or pellets, as well as algae wafers.
Breeding
Breeding of hillstream loaches is considered very difficult to do in a home aquarium, but not unheard of. It can only successfully done by keeping your loaches in tanks that remain within the recommended water parameters for this species. Male hillstream loaches are known to perform a “dance” for a female loach, who will proceed to follow him if she approves. The male will then dig a small nest in the substrate, where the female will drop her eggs. Hillstream loach eggs typically hatch in about 2 weeks. The adult loaches are not known to harm their offspring, so it is safe to keep the young in the same aquarium.
What to Expect from Us
We generally ship Borneo Loaches that are almost grown to fully grown. They are shipped in breather bags, which are permeable and allow for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free phone/text/email support directly from the owner! All that we require is that you send us a clear, digital picture of the unopened bag of DOAs, and we will replace them free of charge.