Imperial Red Zebra Hillstream Loach（Gastromyzon sp" Imperial Red"）（SUPER RARE!!!)

Imperial Red Zebra Hillstream Loach — The Ultimate Collector’s Hillstream

Regal, striking, and almost impossibly rare, the Imperial Red Zebra Hillstream Loach (Gastromyzon sp. "Imperial Red") is the pinnacle of the hillstream loach hobby. This extraordinary undescribed species from the pristine hill streams of Borneo combines bold zebra-like banding with a vivid red-orange suffusion — a colour combination so dramatic and unusual that it stops experienced aquarists in their tracks.

Like all Gastromyzon, the Imperial Red Zebra has evolved a perfectly flattened, hydrodynamic body with a powerful sucker-like underside, allowing it to cling to rocks in the most powerful river currents. In the aquarium, it moves across glass and rockwork with effortless precision — a living jewel that rewards the dedicated specialist aquarist who can meet its exacting needs.

Care at a Glance

• Common Name: Imperial Red Zebra Hillstream Loach
• Scientific Name: Gastromyzon sp. "Imperial Red"
• Origin: Borneo (pristine, fast-flowing hill streams)
• Adult Size: 2.5 – 3.8 cm (1 – 1.5 inches)
• pH: 6.6 – 7.5
• General Hardness (GH): 6 – 12
• Carbonate Hardness (KH): 1 – 2
• TDS: 100 – 300
• Temperature: 22 – 24°C (68 – 75°F) — cool, highly oxygenated water is non-negotiable
• Temperament: Peaceful herbivore; non-aggressive
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Shrimp Safe: ✅ 100% shrimp safe!

Tank & Setup Tips

The Imperial Red Zebra demands exceptional water quality, powerful flow, and high oxygenation — conditions that faithfully replicate the fast-moving, crystal-clear hill streams of Borneo. A powerful canister filter, powerhead, or wavemaker is essential. Temperature must remain strictly cool (22–24°C); warm or stagnant water will quickly cause decline in this sensitive species.

Aquascape with smooth river rocks, slate, and pebbles to provide abundant grazing surfaces and resting spots. A mature, well-established tank with natural algae and biofilm growth on hard surfaces is strongly recommended — do not introduce this rare species to a new or uncycled aquarium. This fish is a reward for the prepared aquarist.

Feeding

A specialist herbivorous grazer. Feeds primarily on algae, biofilm, and aufwuchs growing on rocks and glass. Supplement with blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach), algae wafers, and spirulina-based sinking foods. A mature tank with well-established algae and biofilm is critical for long-term health.

Compatible Tank Mates

Completely peaceful and 100% shrimp safe. Ideal companions include small, peaceful nano fish (ember tetras, chili rasboras, small danios), other hillstream loach species, and dwarf shrimp. Avoid large, boisterous, or aggressive fish that may stress this rare and sensitive species.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is considered very difficult and rarely documented for this species. Replicating the precise conditions of their native Bornean hill streams — strong flow, cool temperatures, high oxygenation, and pristine water quality — is required for any breeding attempt.

📸 Photos are for reference only. Actual fish may vary slightly in colour and pattern — each one is uniquely beautiful!