{"product_id":"purple-fin-sucker-pseudogastromyzon-laticeps","title":"Purple Fin Sucker - Pseudogastromyzon laticeps","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003ePurple Fin Sucker – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudogastromyzon laticeps\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurple Fin Sucker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a rare and attractive hillstream loach with a flattened sucker-type body, fine spotting and distinctive purple-toned fins. Also sold as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurple Fin Hillstream Loach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurple Fin Sucker Loach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurple Hillstream Loach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChinese Sucker Loach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this specialist species is best suited to mature river-style aquariums with cool, clean, highly oxygenated water and established biofilm. It is peaceful and fascinating to watch, but it should not be kept in warm, still or newly set-up aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Purple Fin Sucker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Purple Fin Hillstream Loach, Purple Fin Sucker Loach, Purple Hillstream Loach, Chinese Sucker Loach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudogastromyzon laticeps\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Hillstream Loach \/ Sucker Loach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePseudogastromyzon laticeps\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is native to southern China and is recorded from the Longjin He drainage in Guangdong Province. Like other hillstream loaches, it is adapted to shallow, clear, fast-flowing waters with high oxygen levels and hard grazing surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, Purple Fin Suckers should be kept in a mature river-style setup with smooth rounded stones, cobbles, sand patches, driftwood and strong oxygenation. Bright enough lighting to encourage natural algae and biofilm growth is useful, as these surfaces provide important grazing opportunities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurple Fin Suckers have a flattened body designed for clinging to rocks in flowing water. The broad paired fins help the fish grip smooth surfaces, while the underside forms a sucker-like hold that allows it to remain stable in current.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe body is usually pale grey, silver, olive or tan with fine darker spotting or mottling. The fins may show purple, violet, grey-blue or dusky tones, with darker edging on the tail and fin margins. Adults usually reach around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5–7 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is best suited to mature specialist aquariums, hillstream setups and carefully planned cool-to-moderate tropical communities. It needs clean water, high oxygen, stable conditions and established grazing surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurple Fin Suckers are not suitable for brand-new aquariums, warm low-flow tanks or standard tropical communities with poor oxygenation. They are algae and biofilm grazers, but they still need targeted feeding and should not be sold as a simple algae-cleaning fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA practical minimum is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e80–100 litres for a small group\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e75–90 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums are better because they provide more grazing surfaces, more stable water quality and more space for group interaction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep in a group of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat least 3–5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e6 or more preferred\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e where space and filtration allow. Provide several stones, feeding areas and shaded resting spots so individuals can spread out naturally.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 19–24°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e High oxygen levels, clean water and mature biofilm are essential. Use good filtration, regular water changes and steady directional flow. Avoid high tropical temperatures, dirty substrate, unstable new aquariums, low oxygen and stagnant water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurple Fin Suckers are peaceful with suitable tank mates, although individuals may lightly chase or nudge each other over favoured grazing stones. This is normal hillstream loach behaviour when there is enough hardscape and feeding space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable tank mates include White Cloud Mountain Minnows, small danios, hillstream-suitable rasboras, peaceful gobies, small cool-water barbs and other gentle stream-style fish. Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, very warm-water fish, slow delicate fish and species that need still water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurple Fin Suckers are specialised grazers that feed on biofilm, algae, tiny invertebrates and organic material from rock surfaces. In the aquarium, they should have access to mature algae-coated stones and established hardscape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffer algae wafers, spirulina tablets, fine sinking foods, vegetable-based gels and high-quality grazer foods as the staple diet. Supplement with small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp and finely chopped bloodworm in moderation. They must not be expected to survive on aquarium algae alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species spends much of its time attached to stones, wood, glass or other smooth surfaces, grazing and shifting position in short movements. It is most confident in a well-oxygenated aquarium with plenty of stones and broken lines of sight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurple Fin Suckers may rest directly in the current, graze exposed surfaces and interact with each other over preferred feeding patches. Their flattened body and clinging behaviour make them especially interesting in a proper stream-style display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdd Purple Fin Suckers only to a mature aquarium with established biofilm and stable water quality. They should not be placed in new tanks, warm still-water aquariums or setups with poor oxygenation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep temperatures on the cooler side, maintain excellent water quality and make sure food reaches the grazing areas. Provide rounded stones rather than sharp décor, and avoid heavy medication use unless specialist advice is followed, as loach-type fish can be sensitive. A secure lid is recommended, as active stream fish can jump or climb short distances on wet glass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntermediate to experienced\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRare \/ Specialist import, often seasonal or limited availability\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern, fin tone, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43742328553546,"sku":"AG-103777","price":8.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43742328586314,"sku":"AG-103778","price":9.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43742328619082,"sku":"AG-103779","price":12.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/PurpleFinSucker-Pseudogastromyzonlaticeps.jpg?v=1782308103","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/purple-fin-sucker-pseudogastromyzon-laticeps","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}