Gastromyzon scitulus — a Balitoridae from Borneo, peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes. Reaches 3.4–5 cm; loosely social; crowding causes endless pushing. 19–23 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
19–23 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
3.4–5 cm
Minimum tank
30 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling on rock surfaces
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful grazer; squabbles are brief pushes
Origin
Borneo
Species overview
From the waters of Borneo comes Gastromyzon scitulus, a member of the family Balitoridae. A torrent-lover built to clamp onto stone in fast, cool, highly oxygenated water; warmth is its enemy. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 3.4–5 cm. Loosely social; crowding causes endless pushing. Aim for brisk current, high oxygen and real algae growth; a powerhead is not optional here. Maintain 19–23 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Best suited to a keeper who can match its natural water.
Native biotope
Habitat
Fast-flowing mountain streams, clinging to rocks
Flow
Very strong, highly oxygenated current
Dissolved O₂
Requires very high dissolved oxygen
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Bare rock and coarse gravel
Hardscape
Large smooth boulders
Plants
Minimal; algae-covered stones instead
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Loosely social; crowding causes endless pushing
Diet
Algae and biofilm specialist; supplement with wafers
Recommended tankmates
Other cool-water stream fish — Share the need for oxygen and flow
Avoid keeping with
Large aggressive cichlids — Disrupt the calm grazing regime
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Difficult to distinguish
Breeding method
Breeding rarely reported in aquaria; presumed egg-scatterer