Description
Hong Kong Butterfly Borneo Loach
The Butterfly Loach is also known as the Borneo Sucking Loach, or the Hillstream Loach, of which there are many common varieties. They are great for temperate and tropical freshwater aquariums and are good for removing algae from the tank glass.
Similar in many ways to the common plec, the borneo loach has a translucent semi-transparent underbelly, through which you can see its heart beating. Quite fascinating to observe through your aquarium glass. These plecos do not grow anywhere near as big as a common plec over a lifetime, so are suitable for smaller aquaria.
Please be aware that the image is for illustration purposes only. Photo is of a mature loach with developed colouration - please be aware that it can take a while for full colour to develop, our Borneo stock are young loaches, which often present a dull grey colour to start, with developing patterning and vibrancy through growth. This species is quite sensitive to water conditions, so please ensure your water quality is optimum, and take a little extra time acclimatising.
Features
Supplied size: 1-3cm (small)
Supplied size: 1-3cm (small)
Maximum size: 8cm
Origin: China
Ideal number kept together: 1+
Origin: China
Ideal number kept together: 1+
Water conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 22 °C
Ideal pH: 6.5-8.0
Hardness: 36–268 ppm
Ideal temperature: 16–24 °C
Ease of care
Moderate. They are great for a nano aquarium as they stay relatively small, but can be very sensitive to poor water quality or changes in conditions.
Ideal pH: 6.5-8.0
Hardness: 36–268 ppm
Ideal temperature: 16–24 °C
Ease of care
Moderate. They are great for a nano aquarium as they stay relatively small, but can be very sensitive to poor water quality or changes in conditions.
Diet
Feed Borneo Loaches small sinking pellets and algae wafers. Borneo loach will feed on algae present on aquarium glass and plant leaves, please ensure a steady supply of nutrients. Driftwood provides an ideal shelter and grazing environment.
Feed Borneo Loaches small sinking pellets and algae wafers. Borneo loach will feed on algae present on aquarium glass and plant leaves, please ensure a steady supply of nutrients. Driftwood provides an ideal shelter and grazing environment.
Compatibility
Peaceful, community temperate or tropical aquarium. They live well with tank mates such as Tetras, Rasbora, Livebearers, Danios, etc - fish of a similar size. Avoid housing with larger algae-grazers who may out-compete the Borneo loach for food.
Peaceful, community temperate or tropical aquarium. They live well with tank mates such as Tetras, Rasbora, Livebearers, Danios, etc - fish of a similar size. Avoid housing with larger algae-grazers who may out-compete the Borneo loach for food.
Breeding
Not likely to spawn in home aquaria, ideal conditions are difficult to replicate in captivity. Females tend to grow at a faster rate than males and may appear larger in body.
Not likely to spawn in home aquaria, ideal conditions are difficult to replicate in captivity. Females tend to grow at a faster rate than males and may appear larger in body.
Life Span
The average lifespan of a Borneo Loach is 3-8 years in perfect conditions.
The average lifespan of a Borneo Loach is 3-8 years in perfect conditions.
Shipping Cut Off Times
- In stock orders placed before on working weekdays before 2pm will be despatched on the same working weekday.
- In stock orders placed on a Saturday before 10am will be despatched on that Saturday.
- Orders that include pre-order items will be shipped together in total once the pre-order items arrive back in stock using the delivery service chosen at checkout.
None of these cut-offs apply to palletised items, pond plants or fibreglass ponds.
| SERVICE | SPEND | COST |
| Packet/Courier items | ||
| Royal Mail (2-3 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £2.99 |
| Royal Mail Next Day (1-2 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £4.99 |
| DPD Local Next Day (1 day) | £0.00-£49.99 | £7.99 |
| DPD Local Saturday | £0.00-£49.99 | £14.99 |
| DPD Local Sunday | £0.00-£49.99 | £14.99 |
| DPD Local Next Day (1 day) | £50 and up | FREE |
| DPD Local Saturday | £50 and up | £9.99 |
| DPD Local Sunday | £50 and up | £9.99 |
| Pallets (booked in) | aquariums / bulky items | |
| Pallets Standard (3-5 days) | - | FREE |
| Pallets Express (1-2 days) | - | £39.99 |
| *EXCLUDED ITEMS | extra delivery fees apply | |
| Fibreglass Ponds (booked in) | ||
| Zone 1 (7-10 days) | - | £79.99 |
| Zone 2 (7-14 days) | - | £149.99 |
| Zone 3 (7-21 days) | - | £249.99 |
| Pond Plants (direct from grower) |
||
| All pond plants (3-10 days) | one-off fee regardless of order size/value | £5.99 |
Further delivery information
All delivery services are working day services and do not include delivery on Saturdays and Sundays or public holidays as standard.
Deliveries are usually Monday to Friday only, although some Royal Mail items may be delivered on weekends as standard if the service is available in your area.
Orders over £50 that are under 2kg may be sent by a Royal Mail Tracked 24 service rather than via DPD Local (depending on parcel size).
Orders over £50 delivering to non UK mainland locations may be despatched via a Royal Mail (2-3 days) service rather than an express shipping option.
Please see our full delivery information page and terms and conditions for detailed information on shipping policies and zones
