Undescribed Gastromyzon sp. “Red lamandau” or “Bloody Marry”
I am happy to highlight a seasonal hillstream loach Gastromyzon sp. “Red lamandau”, also known as Gastromyzon sp. “Bloody Mary”
Here is a video from our collector in Borneo, and as you can see, the red almost glows! These fish are one of my personal favorites of the hillstream group. The species is still scientifically undescribed. However, like many from this genus, more are starting to be exported and subsequently discovered in home aquaria. They are new to the aquarium trade having only just been introduced.
Our experience with these fish has shown them to be particularly robust, moreso then the others in this genus, and we have heard similar reports from others.
Best kept in groups, individuals will ‘spar’ and interact with one another playing king of the hill around the tank but without any lasting aggression or harm. Very personable.
Some have said they will attempt to explore above the water line, so be mindful to have a rim or leave space.
Spawning reports say large, cold, water changes roughly 60°F (15°C) and barometric pressure changes may simulate the rainy season rivers, but altogether remains rare in aquaria and only a handful have been reported.
Further Information
Habitat – Cool, fast flowing water over large stones, often found in open pebbled areas under and above waterfalls. High water turnover and surface agitation
Range: Island of Borneo – Lamandau Regency in Central Kalimantan province
Diet: Omnivorous but does best in an mature tank, with plentiful biofilm and algae. In the wild they spend most of their time grazing on rocks
Personality: Peaceful; No threat to other tank members and fairly bold – Not shy once established.
Full Size: 2 – 2.5 inches (5 – 6.3 cm)
Temp: 68° – 72° F (20° – 23° C) Sensitive to heat – Prefers cooler waters then the standard community
PH: 6.5 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral water)
KH: 4 – 12 dKH
Gastromyzon: from the Greek gaster, ‘stomach’ and myzo, ‘to suckle’.
From The River 