Sarawak is home to a rich tapestry of indigenous communities, each with its unique heritage and traditions. Among these are the Iban and Bidayuh peoples, two of the major indigenous tribes of the region. Collectively known as the Dayaks, they have a long history intertwined with Sarawak's cultural landscape. Over the years, the Dayaks, along with other Malaysians, have formed vibrant communities, blending traditional customs with modern urban life in cities like Kuching.

We are here in Kuching for two main reasons. One, is to find the best Kolo mee. Two, to understand and learn more about the habitat of the freshwater fish Gastromyzon. Kolo mee is a traditionally Sarawak dish that is just egg noodles with some Char Siew and minced meat. The locals have it here for breakfast and it comes in the red and white version. But let’s skip to the part where we search for Gastromyzon in the wild.

Our local guide picked us up at 8 a.m., and we headed south of Kuching city in search of Gastromyzon ctenophalus, Gastromyzon stellatus, and Gastromyzon ocellatus. The rivers in this area are mostly associated with nearby villages and are often "owned" by them. In most cases, you need permission from the village head or must pay a fee to just be there.

The riverbed was covered in large, smooth rocks of various colors, creating an ideal habitat for Gastromyzon species. Upon arrival, we learned that the water level was low, which was a bit unusual, but it turned out to be advantageous for us. The water was below knee level, with temperatures around 25-26 degrees Celsius. Despite the warm weather, the water felt cool.

Walking down and in the river is extremely challenging as these rocks wobble as soon as you step on them. Some of them are covered with algae which makes it slippery, these algaes are excellent food for the Gastromyzon or Nemacheilus. Gastromyzon have been studied and are known to be herbivores by nature. Gastromyzon are known as algae eaters. However, in our aquarium, the Gastromyzon feeds on anything from high protein pellets to algae wafers. I also noticed small insect larvae crawling around the rocks where the Gastromyzon would graze, it is possible that they might feed on these tiny insects too. The larvae are usually small in size which fits just nicely into the Gastromyzon mouth.

Some species of Gastromyzon exhibit more reserved or bold behaviors, with notable differences between them. For example, Gastromyzon Ctenophalus tend to be more relaxed around observers. Unlike their skittish counterparts, they’ll often stay firmly attached to a rock even when it’s lifted, remaining in place with little reaction. In contrast, Gastromyzon Farragus, observed in a nearby river, display a more cautious temperament. At the slightest movement, they dart away to another rock, making them elusive and challenging to catch.

Each Gastromyzon species has its unique habitat range within Sarawak's rivers. In one river, we were fortunate to spot Gastromyzon Farragus, inhabiting a precise range. These fish were found in a stretch just before a fast-flowing riffle, extending no more than about eight meters beyond it. Right after the riffle, there are no Gastromyzon to be found. Does the Gastromyzon have certain preference in the water?

Based on my brief observations, Gastromyzon Farragus appears to have a preference for calmer waters. I noticed them twice in habitats with slower water flow, suggesting that adult G. Farragus may thrive in these more tranquil areas. However, I was surprised to find a large number of suspected G. Farragus juveniles in an entirely different environment.

Near a waterfall, in an area with significantly faster-flowing water, I spotted countless juveniles clustered on a single rock—sometimes numbering between 100 to 150. (These juveniles were later identified as tadpoles by Dr Tan). Many more were nestled between rocks, hidden from view. This intriguing contrast between juvenile and adult habitat preferences suggests that G. Farragus may use these high-flow areas as nurseries, providing unique conditions that support the growth of their young.

Another possible reason for the juveniles gathering in these fast-flowing waters could be the lack of predators in such a challenging environment. The intense current might deter potential threats, creating a safe zone where the young G. Farragus can grow with less risk of predation.

Across the regions of Sarawak, Sabah, and Kalimantan, there are countless species within the Gastromyzon genus, each exhibiting unique behaviors and adaptations. As we expand our offerings for fellow hobbyists, our approach emphasizes sustainability and respect for these ecosystems. By carefully managing the number of fish we harvest, we aim to ensure that their natural populations remain robust, helping to protect these remarkable species and their habitats for future generations. We should get our first shipment of fish soon and will be able to offer to the world once they are well quarantined.

We look forward to another trip to Sarawak where we explore different rivers with different Gastromyzon species. If you like to import some of our exotic fishes, drop me an email at hello@madshrimp.com. Check out some of our adventures on Youtube here.

If you're interested in learning more about these fascinating Borneo suckers, I highly recommend checking out a book written by Dr. Tan, which provides extensive information on these stunning loaches. This book offers a wealth of insights not only into the unique behaviors and habitats of these fish but also into the rich biodiversity of the island of Borneo. It has personally expanded my understanding of these species, and I believe it will be an invaluable resource for any hobbyist looking to deepen their knowledge.