Edit Gastromyzon lepidogaster

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Name

Scientific name

Gastromyzon lepidogaster

Described by

Authority Roberts, Year 1982

Family

Gastromyzontidae

Common names

Not recorded

Photograph credits

All 5 credited

Summary

Gastromyzon lepidogaster is a hillstream loach from northern Borneo and the most widely-distributed member of the genus. It occurs in Sabah…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

100mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement High: fast-flowing river or riffle

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 18–24°C, pH 6–8.5

Hardness

2–12dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Not for a community

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Borneo, Borneo, Kalabakan, Kimanis, Kinabatangan, Labuk, Mengalong, Padas, Petagas, Sebuku, Segama, Sembakung, Sesayap, Temburong

Writing

Etymology

Gastromyzon: from the Greek gaster, meaning 'stomach' and myzo, meaning 'to suckle'. lepidogaster: from the Greek lepis, meaning 'scale', and gaster, meaning '…

Distribution

Type locality is 'Mengalong River, Beaufort District, Sabah, northern Borneo', but G. lepidogaster is the most widely-distributed member of the genus and in Sa…

Habitat

Gastromyzon spp. are obligate dwellers of swift, shallow streams containing clear, oxygen-saturated water and have been recorded from sea level to 1350 m amsl …

Aquarium size

An aquarium with base dimensions of 120 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent is large enough to house a group.

Maintenance

Most importantly the water must be clean and well-oxygenated so we suggest the use of an over-sized filter as a minimum requirement. Turnover should ideally be…

Most importantly the water must be clean and well-oxygenated so we suggest the use of an over-sized filter as a minimum requirement.

Turnover should ideally be 10-15 times per hour so additional powerheads, airstones, etc. should also be employed as necessary.

Base substrate can either be of gravel, sand or a mixture of both to which should be added a layer of water-worn rocks and pebbles of varying sizes.

Aged driftwood can also be used but avoid new pieces since these usually leach tannins that discolour the water and reduce the effectiveness of artificial lighting, an unwanted side-effect since the latter should be strong to promote the growth of algae and associated microorganisms.

Exposed filter sponges will also be grazed, and some enthusiasts maintain an open filter in the tank specifically to provide an additional food source.

Although rarely a feature of the natural habitat aquatic plants can be used with adaptable genera such as Microsorum, Crinum and Anubias spp. likely to fare best. The latter are particularly useful as their leaves tend to attract algal growth and provide additional cover.

Since it needs stable water conditions and feeds on biofilm this species should never be added to a biologically immature set-up, and a tightly-fitting cover is necessary since it can literally climb glass.

While regular partial water changes are essential aufwuchs can be allowed to grow on all surfaces except perhaps the viewing pane.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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DOI

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Water conditions

Temperature: For general care 18 – 24 °C is recommended but it can withstand warmer conditions provided dissolved oxygen levels are maintained. pH: 6.0 – 8.5 H…

Diet

Much of the natural diet is likely to be composed of benthic algae plus associated micro-organisms which are rasped from solid surfaces. In captivity it will a…

Behaviour and compatibility

Very peaceful although its environmental requirements limit the selection of suitable tankmates somewhat, plus it should not be housed with any much larger, mo…

Sexual dimorphism

Adult females are noticeably heavier-bodied and often a little larger than males; these differences are more apparent when viewing the fish from above or below.

Reproduction

Has not been bred in aquaria and the only observations we know of for any member of the genus were made by German aquarist Philipp Dickmann and published in a …

Notes

G. lepidogaster is occasionally available in the aquarium trade, with the orange form (see below) particularly sought after. It can be distinguished from conge…

References

8 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References