Bloody Mary Hillstream Loach

Bloody Mary Hillstream LoachBring rare beauty and fascinating behavior to your aquarium with the Bloody Mary Hillstream Loach (Gastromyzon sp. Bloody Mary), also known as the Double Red Tail Borneo Loach. This extraordinary hillstream loach features stunning blood red tail fins and vibrant markings, making it a showstopper in any aquascaped or river style tank. Sought after by collectors and aquascapers alike, the Bloody Mary Hillstream Loach offers both visual appeal and

Bring rare beauty and fascinating behavior to your aquarium with the Bloody Mary Hillstream Loach (Gastromyzon sp. ‘Bloody Mary’), also known as the Double Red Tail Borneo Loach. This extraordinary hillstream loach features stunning blood-red tail fins and vibrant markings, making it a showstopper in any aquascaped or river-style tank. Sought after by collectors and aquascapers alike, the Bloody Mary Hillstream Loach offers both visual appeal and dynamic algae-eating action.

The Bloody Mary Hillstream Loach is native to the fast-flowing, oxygen-rich streams of Borneo. This unique species displays deep red tail and dorsal fins, earning its “Double Red Tail” nickname, contrasted against a streamlined, mottled body adapted perfectly for clinging to rocks and grazing on algae. These loaches are peaceful, active, and thrive in tanks that mimic their natural environment, making them ideal for planted tanks, river biotopes, and community aquariums.

Bloody Mary Hillstream Loaches remain compact, typically reaching 2–2.5 inches (5–6.5 cm) in length. Their flattened bodies, broad pectoral fins, and spectacular twin red tails set them apart from other hillstream loaches. Watch them glide effortlessly along glass, rocks, and driftwood, busily grazing on biofilm and algae, helping to keep your aquarium spotless and lively.

Double Red Tail Borneo Loaches are peaceful and do best in groups of three or more. They coexist beautifully with other small, non-aggressive fish such as Rasboras, White Cloud Minnows, Danios, Otocinclus, and freshwater shrimp. Avoid keeping them with large or territorial species that may outcompete them for food or space. Providing plenty of smooth stones, caves, and strong water movement will encourage natural behavior and vibrant coloration.

At our Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Bloody Mary Hillstream Loach for sale and other freshwater fish for sale are carefully selected and packed with love! Visit us to buy them online or at our aquarium store in Virginia for more betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, live aquatic plants for sale, and aquarium supplies.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS FISH:

• Striking blood-red tail and dorsal fins (“Double Red Tail”)
• Compact size, perfect for nano and mid-sized tanks (2–2.5 inches)
• Superb algae grazers, keeping glass and rocks clean
• Peaceful, social, and compatible with most small community fish
• Best suited for planted tanks with strong water flow and high oxygenation

RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons with ample surface area
• Temperature: 68°–76°F (20°–24°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: 4–12 dGH
• Filtration: Strong, with excellent oxygenation and moderate-to-high flow

CARE GUIDELINES:

• Diet: Primarily algae and biofilm grazers. Supplement with high-quality sinking wafers, blanched vegetables (like zucchini or spinach), and occasional protein foods (bloodworms, daphnia).
• Aquascaping: Provide smooth stones, caves, and plenty of hiding places. Strong flow and clean, oxygen-rich water are essential.
• Tankmates: Best kept with other peaceful, cool-water species. Avoid aggressive or large fish.
• Water Quality: Maintain stable, pristine conditions with frequent water changes and good flow to mimic their natural habitat.

See more details on How to Care for Loach Fish here.