Bloody Mary Hillstream Loach

The bloody mary hillstream loach is a Gastromyzon species from the fast rocky streams of Borneo, selected and traded under this name for its unusually strong red-orange colouring over a dark, finely spotted body. Gastromyzon contains a number of similar species and the trade names attached to them are not always consistent, so we describe the fish rather than commit to a species label. The body is flattened, with broad fins that fan out and hold it against the rock.

Aquarium care

• A small, flattened loach that clings to hard surfaces.
• Peaceful, though it will defend a grazing patch from its own kind.
• Keep a small group.
• Needs cool, fast, well-oxygenated water; it does badly in warm still tanks.
• Grazes biofilm and algae from stone and glass. Supplement with sinking wafers and frozen foods.
• Wants smooth rounded rock in a mature tank.

Best in a purpose-built hillstream tank with strong flow, alongside other current-loving species. Set the tank up for it before you buy it.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the current loach and botia list.