Blue Tail Hillstream Loach

Blue Tail Hillstream Loach

Scientific Name: Gastromyzon ornaticauda
Common Names: Blue Tail Hillstream Loach, Blue Tail Borneo Loach
Origin: Clear, fast-flowing hillstreams of Borneo
Adult Size: 1.5 to 2 inches (4–5 cm)
Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
Temperament: Peaceful, social, active grazer
Swimming Zone: Bottom-dwelling with occasional mid-level activity

Description

The Blue Tail Hillstream Loach (Gastromyzon ornaticauda) is a visually striking nano fish with a flattened, ray-like body and a shimmering blue tail that sets it apart from other river loaches. Native to the oxygen-rich, fast-flowing streams of Borneo, this species thrives in aquariums that simulate its natural environment with strong flow, cooler temperatures, and biofilm-covered surfaces.

Perfect for peaceful community aquariums and river-style aquascapes, this loach is known for its unique movement, daytime activity, and algae-grazing behavior. When kept in groups, G. ornaticauda shows more natural behaviors, from gliding across rocks to social feeding interactions.

A must-have for aquarists interested in biotope aquariums or those looking to add rare, functional beauty to their setups.

Care Guide

Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (long layout preferred)

• Tank Style: River-style or hillstream layout with directional current

• Filtration: High turnover (6–10x per hour) with strong flow; sponge pre-filters recommended

• Substrate: Smooth sand or fine gravel

• Décor: Rounded river stones, slate, driftwood, and large surface areas for grazing

• Lighting: Moderate to bright; encourages growth of natural biofilm and algae

Water Conditions

• Temperature: 68–76°F (20–24°C)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• GH/KH: Soft to moderately hard water

• Oxygenation: Very high; use air stones, powerheads, and surface agitation

• Water Clarity: Crystal clear preferred; these loaches are sensitive to poor water quality

Feeding & Diet

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily

• Diet Type: Omnivorous grazer; primarily biofilm and algae, but will take supplements

• Recommended Foods:

  • Algae wafers and spirulina-based sinking pellets

  • Repashy gel foods like Soilent Green or Super Green

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)

  • Live or frozen foods: baby brine shrimp, cyclops, daphnia

  • Naturally occurring biofilm on rocks and driftwood

Tip: Let algae and biofilm grow on hardscape—this is an essential food source and enriches natural behavior.

Social Behavior

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy when alone, more confident in groups

• Best Kept In: Groups of 3–6+ individuals

• Compatible Tankmates:

  • White Cloud Mountain Minnows

  • Small danios and rasboras

  • Other hillstream loaches (non-aggressive species)

  • Shrimp and small snails (depending on tank setup)

• Avoid: Large or aggressive fish, bottom-dominant species, or warm-water community tanks

Maintenance

• Weekly water changes (30–50%) are essential for maintaining oxygen and cleanliness

• Rinse sponge filters in tank water to avoid killing beneficial bacteria

• Keep flow consistent—sudden drop in current can cause stress or loss of oxygen

Available Now at Planted Aquaria

Bring motion, color, and utility to your aquascape with the Blue Tail Hillstream Loach—a functional algae grazer with the elegance of a miniature stingray and the temperament of a model citizen. Whether you’re creating a hillstream biotope or looking for an unusual nano fish, this species is both beautiful and beneficial.

Now available at www.plantedaquaria.ca. Limited stock due to rarity and seasonal availability.