Scientific Name: Gastromyzon ctenocephalus (Roberts, 1982)
Common name: Spiney-headed hillstream loach.
Synonyms: None.
Distribution: Sarawak, Borneo.
Sexual Dimorphism: Females generally plumper all over than males.
Maximum size: 2 inches
Similar to: Gastromyzon scitulus
Care: Inhabit fast flowing streams over boulders. Aquarium must duplicate these conditions as fish have very high oxygen requirements. See: http://www.loaches.com/hillstream_loaches.html for more detailed explanation.
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.
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:
Temperature: 68ºF to 75ºF(20-23.8°C)
Breeding: Not bred in aquaria.
Notes: Gastromyzon ctenocephalus is identifiable from Gastromyzon scitulus by generally having smaller yellowish spots all over the body. The dorsal fin has bold pale blue markings, and the caudal fin has bold horizontal pale blue stripes with black lines between them.
Caption:
Credit: Martin Thoene
Caption:
Credit: Martin Thoene
Caption:
Credit: Martin Thoene
Caption: G. scitulus TOP, G. ctenocephalus Bottom
Credit: Martin Thoene
Caption:
Credit: Graeme Robson
Caption:
Credit: Graeme Robson