Hillstream loaches: Gastromyzon punctulatus vs Beaufortia kweichowensis

[Solstice_Lacer]

So I've been looking into hillstream loaches and the two options that seem to be available to me are:

the spotted borneo sucker (Gastromyzon punctulatus)

Or the butterfly hillstream loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis).

I think the butterflies are more commonly kept but get a bit bigger. The Borneo suckers stay smaller but are potentially more scrappy according to some sources. 

I'd get a trio for my mature planted 29 gallon with white clouds and cherry shrimp. Temps range seasonally from 64-76F. I would likely modify my airline to give them a spot with more flow.

Any thoughts on what might be best? Looks wise I like them both, I just want the healthiest/most peaceful option.

[Waterlife]

I prefer Hillstream for look alike to a stingray effect.  The Borneo is taller and not as wide, and looks like a small log but still cool.  They are both peaceful unless competing for territory but even then its a chasing game and no injuries occur.  I have six hillstream.  They also eat more than algae so be sure to offer a nice bite of blood  worm once  and a while.

[TheSwissAquarist]

Hill stream is better for the algae, spotted Borneo can look cool but tend to be a bit agressive in small tanks 

[nabokovfan87]

On 7/11/2022 at 3:31 PM, Solstice_Lacer said:

The Borneo suckers stay smaller but are potentially more scrappy according to some sources. 

Not at all!!!! Mine were super calm and super chill. If they have room I can't even imagine them being territorial let alone feisty. 

One would hang out on a pleco cave, the others were on the back glass and they looked awesome. Never even saw an ounce of aggression.