Gastromyzon stellatus

Summary

Scientific Name: Gastromyzon stellatus (Tan, 2006)

Common name: None.

Synonyms: None.

Distribution: Sarawak, Borneo.

Sexual Dimorphism: Females probably plumper all over than males.

Maximum size: 2 inches

Similar to: Part of the Gastromyzon ridens group, which consists of G.ridens, G. stellatus, G. crenastus, and G. zebrinus .

Care: Inhabit fast flowing streams over boulders. Aquarium must duplicate these conditions as fish have very high oxygen requirements.

With all Gastromyzon species, care is broadly the same. All need excellent water-flow and aeration, numerous rocky hiding places and smooth pebbles and boulders to graze over. Lighting should be bright to encourage algal growth in the aquarium. Plants are not necessary as the fish do not normally encounter them in the wild, but they will help with water-quality. Suitable plants for high-flow environments are Anubias and Microsoreum. These will grow on rockwork or driftwood.

See: Hillstream Loaches - The Specialists at Life In The Fast Lane

for more detailed explanation.

Feeding: Good quality flake, sinking pellets, algae wafers, thawed frozen Bloodworm, Mysis Shrimp, blanched Spinach, Kale, natural algae an advantage.

Water parameters: pH:7.0-8.0. Hardness: Medium. Max dh: 12

Temperature: 68ºF to 75ºF(20-23.8°C)

Breeding: Not bred in aquaria.

Notes

This species seems to have great variability in the spot patterning. Various individuals have denser patterns and some lack the joined dots which often form "dashes" in the pattern.

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