Edit Gastromyzon stellatus

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Name

Scientific name

Gastromyzon stellatus

Described by

Authority Tan, Year 2006

Family

Gastromyzontidae

Common names

Not recorded

Photograph credits

All 11 credited

Summary

Gastromyzon stellatus is a hillstream loach from the Sarawak, Sadong and Lupar River drainages in southern Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Its d…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

55mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 75 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement High: fast-flowing river or riffle

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 20–24°C, pH 6–7.5

Hardness

1–12dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Not for a community

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Malaysia, Borneo, Lupar, Petiak, Sadong, Sarawak

Writing

Etymology

Gastromyzon: from the Greek gaster, meaning 'stomach' and myzo, meaning 'to suckle'. stellatus: from the Latin stellatus, meaning 'starry', in reference to thi…

Distribution

Known only from the Sarawak, Sadong and Lupar River drainages in southern Sarawak state, Malaysian Borneo. Type locality is 'Sungai Petiak, 1°21.25'N, 110°06.8…

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 …

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 throughout hill regions of Borneo.

They typically inhabit riffles and runs and are often found above or below cascades and waterfalls.

Substrates are generally composed of gravel, rocks, boulders or bedrock carpeted with a rich biofilm formed by algae and other micro-organisms.

Aquatic plants are uncommon and while riparian vegetation may be present these loaches tend to be most abundant in partially or fully-shaded zones.

Field observations have revealed that individuals typically position themselves facing into the flow, either along the sides, behind or under rocks, their specialised morphology (see 'Notes') allowing them to forage and maintain a particular spot without being swept away.

In nature G. stellatus occurs syntopically with the congeners Gastromyzon ctenocephalus and G. ocellatus.

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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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Title

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Authors

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Year

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Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Aquarium size

An aquarium with base dimensions of 75 ∗ 30 cm 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…

Water conditions

Temperature: For general care 20 – 24 °C is recommended but it can withstand warmer conditions provided dissolved oxygen levels are maintained. pH: 6.0 – 7.5 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 being more apparent when viewing the fish from above or bel…

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

One of the more commonly-traded members of the genus and often found in mixed shipments which may contain other Gastromyzon spp. or related fishes like Beaufor…

References

6 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