{"product_id":"imperial-red-zebra-hillstream-loach-gastromyzon-sp-imperial-red-super-rare","title":"Imperial Red Zebra Hillstream Loach（Gastromyzon sp\" Imperial Red\"）（SUPER RARE!!!)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eImperial Red Zebra Hillstream Loach — The Ultimate Collector’s Hillstream\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegal, striking, and almost impossibly rare, the \u003cstrong\u003eImperial Red Zebra Hillstream Loach (\u003cem\u003eGastromyzon\u003c\/em\u003e sp. \"Imperial Red\")\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLike all \u003cem\u003eGastromyzon\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Imperial Red Zebra Hillstream Loach\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGastromyzon\u003c\/em\u003e sp. \"Imperial Red\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Borneo (pristine, fast-flowing hill streams)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.5 – 3.8 cm (1 – 1.5 inches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.6 – 7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral Hardness (GH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 – 12\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCarbonate Hardness (KH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 – 2\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTDS:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100 – 300\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22 – 24°C (68 – 75°F) — cool, highly oxygenated water is non-negotiable\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful herbivore; non-aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShrimp Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e ✅ 100% shrimp safe!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTank \u0026amp; Setup Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Imperial Red Zebra demands \u003cstrong\u003eexceptional water quality, powerful flow, and high oxygenation\u003c\/strong\u003e — 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAquascape 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA specialist herbivorous grazer. Feeds primarily on \u003cstrong\u003ealgae, biofilm, and aufwuchs\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Tank Mates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompletely 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e📸 Photos are for reference only. Actual fish may vary slightly in colour and pattern — each one is uniquely beautiful!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53539253420305,"sku":null,"price":120.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/9225\/6785\/files\/RK1QrWKfNTc.jpg?v=1778566305","url":"https:\/\/www.aquapets.ca\/products\/imperial-red-zebra-hillstream-loach-gastromyzon-sp-imperial-red-super-rare","provider":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}