Our Guide To Keeping Borneo Loach

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Pangio shelfordii
   • Common name: Borneo Loach
   • Family: Cobitidae
   • Origin: Southeast Asia, including Borneo, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, and surrounding slow-moving forest streams and peat swamp habitats
   • Adult length: 7 to 8 cm
   • Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
   • Diet: Omnivore
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Peaceful

2. Tank Setup:

   • Borneo Loaches prefer a mature, peaceful aquarium with soft substrate and plenty of hiding places. A minimum tank size of around 60L is recommended for a small group.
   • Use fine sand or very smooth gravel, as these loaches like to burrow and search through the substrate for food.
   • Provide plenty of cover using driftwood, leaf litter, smooth stones, caves, and dense planting. Plants such as Java Fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, and floating plants are ideal for creating shaded areas.
   • They are best kept in groups of at least six individuals, as they are social fish that feel more secure when kept with their own kind.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Borneo Loaches prefer soft, slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
   • Keep the water temperature between 24 to 28°C.
   • They are sensitive to poor water quality, so the aquarium should be fully cycled and maintained with regular partial water changes.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A gentle to moderate filter is suitable for Borneo Loaches, as they naturally occur in slow-moving streams, forest pools, and shaded waters.
   • Avoid very strong flow, especially in smaller aquariums, as these loaches prefer calm areas near the substrate.
   • Good oxygenation and stable water quality are important, but the flow should not be too forceful.

5. Diet:

   • Borneo Loaches are omnivores and will feed mostly from the bottom of the aquarium. Offer sinking foods such as fine granules, micro pellets, wafers, and quality bottom-feeder tablets.
   • Supplement their diet with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, tubifex, and mosquito larvae.
   • They may also graze on tiny food particles and natural microorganisms in mature aquariums, but they should not be expected to survive on leftovers alone.

6. Tank mates:

   • Borneo Loaches are peaceful and do well with small, calm community fish that enjoy similar soft, warm water conditions.
   • Suitable tank mates include small rasboras, peaceful tetras, dwarf gourami, small barbs, pencilfish, and other peaceful bottom dwellers.
   • Avoid large, aggressive, boisterous, or predatory fish that may stress them, outcompete them for food, or view them as prey.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Borneo Loaches are shy, peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that spend much of their time exploring the substrate, hiding under decor, or resting among plants and leaf litter.
   • They are often more active in the evening or when the aquarium lighting is subdued.
   • Keeping them in a group helps reduce stress and encourages more natural behaviour, as single specimens may hide for long periods.
   • They are not aggressive and are best suited to quiet community aquariums with gentle tank mates.