{"product_id":"green-body-gastromyzon-hillstream-loach","title":"Green Body Gastromyzon Hillstream Loach","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; line-height:1.75;\"\u003e\n\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGreen Body Gastromyzon Hillstream Loach (Gastromyzon lepidogaster)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn extremely rare green body hillstream loach with collector appeal, natural algae-grazing behavior, and the iconic Borneo sucker body shape.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The Green Body Gastromyzon Hillstream Loach is a rare colour form of \u003cem\u003eGastromyzon lepidogaster\u003c\/em\u003e, a specialized hillstream loach also searched as Green Borneo Sucker, Green Hillstream Loach, Borneo Sucker Loach, and rare Gastromyzon.\n    With its flattened body, strong gripping ability, and green-toned patterning, this fish is one of the most unusual freshwater loaches available to collectors in Canada.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Unlike common algae eaters, Gastromyzon are not ordinary bottom fish.\n    They are river-style specialists built for clean, oxygen-rich water, mature surfaces, and constant grazing on glass, stones, driftwood, and smooth hardscape.\n    The green body form gives this fish a much stronger collector identity than standard hillstream loaches.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    We also offer a Pink Body form of \u003cem\u003eGastromyzon lepidogaster\u003c\/em\u003e.\n    Care, tank setup, feeding, and temperament are the same; the difference is the body colour and visual presentation.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy this fish stands out\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eExtremely rare green body form of \u003cem\u003eGastromyzon lepidogaster\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAlso known as Green Borneo Sucker or Green Hillstream Loach\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSpecialized flattened body built for gripping rocks and glass\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eActive grazer for biofilm, soft algae, and natural surface growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eExcellent for mature planted tanks, river-style aquariums, and collector setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePeaceful, unusual, and very different from common algae eaters\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHillstream loach collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRare freshwater fish collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHigh-oxygen planted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRiver-style aquarium setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAquascapes with smooth stones, wood, and mature biofilm\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCustomers looking for a rare algae-grazing fish that is not a pleco\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTopick Aquarium Insight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Green Body Gastromyzon should not be treated like a simple “cleaner fish.”\n    The biggest difference between success and failure is not whether the fish eats algae — it is whether the aquarium is mature, oxygen-rich, clean, and stable.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Many customers search for hillstream loaches because they want algae control, but Gastromyzon are better understood as specialized river fish.\n    They constantly graze surfaces, but they still need prepared foods, mature biofilm, and stable conditions to maintain body weight.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A healthy Gastromyzon should have a full body, strong grip, steady breathing, and active grazing behavior.\n    Thin hillstream loaches are often underfed, even when algae is visible in the aquarium.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGreen Body vs Pink Body Gastromyzon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Green Body and Pink Body Gastromyzon are cared for the same way.\n    Both should be treated as rare \u003cem\u003eGastromyzon lepidogaster\u003c\/em\u003e hillstream loaches that need clean, mature, oxygen-rich water.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGreen Body:\u003c\/strong\u003e stronger green or metallic green body impression, ideal for collectors seeking the classic Green Borneo Sucker look\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePink Body:\u003c\/strong\u003e lighter warm pink body tone, ideal for customers who want a softer and more unusual colour form\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The choice is mainly visual. Tank setup, feeding, temperament, and long-term care are the same.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Group Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Green Body Gastromyzon are peaceful bottom-dwelling river loaches.\n    They spend most of their time attached to glass, stones, wood, and hardscape while grazing biofilm and soft algae.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    They can be kept singly, but they are more interesting in groups.\n    We recommend \u003cstrong\u003e3 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e when possible, and \u003cstrong\u003e5 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e in larger river-style aquariums.\n    Mild chasing or positioning behavior can happen around favourite grazing spots, but this is usually normal hillstream loach behavior.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    This fish is best kept in a mature aquarium with strong oxygenation and plenty of surface area for grazing.\n    A new tank with no biofilm is not ideal.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMinimum recommended tank: 20 gallons long or larger\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMature aquarium strongly recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHigh oxygenation and clean water are essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eModerate to strong flow preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmooth stones, driftwood, and glass provide grazing surfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBright lighting can help grow natural algae and biofilm\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSecure lid recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A river-style layout with smooth rocks, open flow, and established biofilm is ideal.\n    Avoid dirty, low-oxygen aquariums or tanks with unstable parameters.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGastromyzon lepidogaster\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Green Body Gastromyzon, Green Borneo Sucker, Green Hillstream Loach, Borneo Sucker Loach\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–24°C preferred; slightly warmer only with strong oxygenation\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 4–6 cm in aquarium trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful \/ mildly territorial around grazing spots\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Biofilm, soft algae, aufwuchs, algae-based foods, small frozen foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Stable, oxygen-rich water is more important than chasing exact numbers.\n    Avoid high temperatures without strong aeration, because warm water holds less oxygen and can stress hillstream loaches.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Green Body Gastromyzon graze constantly, but they should not be expected to survive on aquarium algae alone.\n    In many clean aquariums, natural algae is not enough to support long-term body condition.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNatural biofilm and soft algae\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAlgae wafers\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSpirulina-based sinking foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRepashy-style gel foods on rocks\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFine sinking foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFrozen daphnia, cyclops, brine shrimp, or bloodworms in moderation\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The best feeding method is to provide food where they naturally graze.\n    Soft gel food or algae-based food placed on smooth stones can help newly introduced fish feed more confidently.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Best tank mates are peaceful fish that enjoy clean, well-oxygenated water and do not aggressively compete on the bottom.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eWhite Cloud Mountain Minnows\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDanios\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmall peaceful barbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePeaceful gobies\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOther compatible hillstream loaches\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmall to medium peaceful community fish in cooler, oxygen-rich setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Avoid aggressive cichlids, large predators, very warm low-flow tanks, and bottom fish that aggressively compete for the same grazing areas.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanada-Wide Live Fish Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Green Body Gastromyzon Hillstream Loach is available from Topick Aquarium in Canada when in stock.\n    Local pickup is available in Markham, Ontario, and Canada-wide live fish shipping may be available depending on weather, route, and livestock condition.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Green Body Gastromyzon is not a pleco and should not be sold or kept as a simple replacement for a pleco.\n    It is a specialized hillstream loach that needs oxygen, flow, mature surfaces, and regular feeding.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    This fish may graze algae, but it is not a solution for every algae problem.\n    For black beard algae, staghorn algae, or heavy long hair algae, the root cause usually involves lighting, nutrient balance, flow, CO2 stability, or maintenance habits.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFAQ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Green Body Gastromyzon the same as a hillstream loach?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes. It is a rare Gastromyzon hillstream loach, also searched as Green Borneo Sucker, Green Hillstream Loach, Borneo Sucker Loach, or rare algae-eating loach.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the scientific name?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    The scientific name is \u003cem\u003eGastromyzon lepidogaster\u003c\/em\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Green Body Gastromyzon rare?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes. Green Body \u003cem\u003eGastromyzon lepidogaster\u003c\/em\u003e is much less commonly offered than standard hillstream loaches and should be treated as a rare collector fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it a good algae eater?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    It is a natural biofilm and soft algae grazer, but it should not be expected to live on algae alone. For long-term success, feed algae-based sinking foods and provide mature grazing surfaces.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need strong flow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    It does best in clean, oxygen-rich water with moderate to strong flow. Strong aeration and stable water are more important than simply blasting the aquarium with current.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it live in a normal tropical community tank?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Only if the tank is mature, clean, well-oxygenated, and not too warm. Very warm, low-flow, low-oxygen aquariums are not recommended.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between Green Body and Pink Body Gastromyzon?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Care is the same. Green Body has a stronger green or metallic tone, while Pink Body has a lighter warm pink body appearance.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I keep only one?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes, but groups are more active and interesting. We recommend 3 or more when possible.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it safe with shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes, it is generally peaceful with freshwater shrimp. Very tiny shrimplets may still be vulnerable in any community aquarium, but Gastromyzon are not active shrimp hunters.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Topick Aquarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46232735908074,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/topickaquarium.com\/products\/green-body-gastromyzon-hillstream-loach","provider":"Topick Aquarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}