The Gastromyzon sp. "Bloody Mary" is a rheophilic hillstream loach from fast-flowing Asian streams. With its flattened body and suctorial fins, it is perfectly adapted to strong current and high oxygen levels. It belongs to our freshwater range and is best suited to river-style aquariums with cool water and many smooth rocks.

Behavior and care

Gastromyzon sp. "Bloody Mary" is a very peaceful, social species. Keep it in a group of at least 5–6 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour. It spends most of its time on the bottom, rocks and glass, grazing biofilm.

We recommend at least 80 litres for a group, with strong water movement and excellent aeration (powerhead, strong filter outlet, surface agitation). This species is sensitive to high temperatures and poor water quality. Use starter bacteria when cycling the tank and monitor parameters with our water tests. Avoid very new, “too clean” tanks without algae or biofilm.

Diet

In nature this loach is a grazer of algae and biofilm, also taking small invertebrates. In the aquarium it will accept:

• Vegetable-based bottom wafers (spirulina, algae),
• fine sinking granules,
• finely chopped frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops).

Vary the menu using our foods for bottom feeders and algae eaters. Do not over-clean all surfaces: allow some algae and biofilm to grow for them to graze on.

Water parameters

• Ideal temperature: 20 – 24 °C
• pH: 6.5 – 7.8
• GH: 3 – 12 °dGH
• KH: 2 – 8 °dKH
• Conductivity: 80 – 250 µS

This is a typical cool, stream-dwelling fish, very sensitive to nitrite spikes and low oxygen. Before adding fish, treat tap water with an appropriate water conditioner. Combine efficient filtration with additional flow, and maintain the tank using our maintenance tools and weekly water changes.

Decor and environment

Recreate an Asian hillstream habitat with a base of sand or fine gravel, covered with many smooth stones and pebbles where algae and biofilm can develop.

Add live plants that tolerate current (mosses, Microsorum, Anubias attached to wood/rock). A moderate to fairly strong lighting system will encourage natural algal growth, an important food source.

Care sheet

AquaBota tip

For thriving Gastromyzon "Bloody Mary", aim for cool, highly oxygenated water, strong current and plenty of algae-covered surfaces for grazing.
Stability = success: check your water with our water tests and adjust flow and water-change schedule to the tank’s bioload.

Shipping and delivery of live fish

Fish are shipped with great care in insulated, purpose-designed packaging to ensure their safety during transport.

Delivery methods

• France Express (secure home delivery in France, Belgium and Luxembourg)
• In-store pickup in Sombreffe (Belgium)

Shipping schedule

• Order cut-off: every Monday at 10:00.
• France: shipments on Monday or Tuesday, depending on the destination department, for delivery between Tuesday and Thursday.
• Belgium and Luxembourg: shipments on Monday and Tuesday for delivery between Tuesday and Wednesday.