Borneo Sucker Myersi Ocellatus (Sucker Belly Loach)

Caring for Borneo suckers in an aquarium requires specific attention to their needs. These fish are native to fast-moving streams and rivers in Southeast Asia, particularly Borneo, and are well-suited to cooler, oxygen-rich, and well-aerated environments. Here are some tips for keeping Borneo suckers healthy in your aquarium:

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 60 litres is recommended, with a larger tank preferable if housing multiple fish.
• Substrate: Opt for fine gravel or sand that mimics their natural habitat, as these fish love to graze and rest on the bottom.
• Decoration: Add smooth rocks, driftwood, and caves. The Borneo sucker loves to cling to surfaces with its specialized mouth.
• Plants: Use live aquatic plants to provide hiding spaces and help maintain water quality.
• Current: Create a strong water current by using powerheads or additional filters. This mimics their fast-moving river habitat.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Borneo suckers prefer cooler water, between 20-24°C
• pH: Keep the pH between 6.5 and 8.0. Slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal.
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (5-12 dGH) is best.
• Oxygenation: These fish require highly oxygenated water. Use a good-quality filter, and make sure there’s adequate water movement and aeration.

Diet

• Primary Food: Borneo suckers are primarily herbivores, feeding on biofilm, algae, and plant matter. They will scrape algae off rocks, glass, and other surfaces.
• Supplement: Provide sinking algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, and blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber.
• Occasional Protein: While primarily herbivorous, they may eat small invertebrates. Supplement their diet with occasional protein-rich foods such as bloodworms or daphnia.

Tankmates

• Compatibility: Borneo suckers are generally peaceful but may get territorial with other bottom dwellers. Ideal tankmates include other peaceful species that enjoy similar water conditions, such as small tetras, rasboras, or danios.
• Avoid: Steer clear of large, aggressive fish or species that require warm water.

Water Quality & Maintenance

• Filtration: Invest in a high-quality filtration system to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated. A canister filter or strong hang-on-back filter is ideal.
• Water Changes: Perform regular water changes, replacing 20-30% of the water weekly to maintain optimal conditions.
• Temperature Stability: Borneo suckers are sensitive to rapid temperature changes, so avoid significant fluctuations.

Behavior

• Activity: Borneo suckers are very active, especially when grazing on surfaces for algae. They can be seen attaching to glass, rocks, and other decorations using their specialized mouth.
• Territoriality: While generally peaceful, they can be territorial toward their own species or other bottom-dwellers if space is limited.

By mimicking their natural fast-flowing river habitat, providing a well-balanced diet, and keeping up with regular maintenance, Borneo suckers can thrive in a home aquarium.

All pictures shown are for illustration purposes only. Actual fish may vary depending on size and variety of species.