{"product_id":"pink-body-gastromyzon-hillstream-loach","title":"Pink 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\u003ePink Body Gastromyzon Hillstream Loach (Gastromyzon lepidogaster)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn extremely rare pink body colour form of Gastromyzon hillstream loach, combining unusual collector appeal with natural river-loach grazing behavior.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The Pink Body Gastromyzon Hillstream Loach is a highly uncommon colour form of \u003cem\u003eGastromyzon lepidogaster\u003c\/em\u003e, a flattened Borneo sucker-type hillstream loach adapted for life on smooth rocks, glass, and fast-moving freshwater surfaces.\n    This pink body form is especially valuable because it gives the fish a softer, warmer appearance compared with the more commonly searched Green Body form.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    This is not a normal “cleanup fish” and not a standard hillstream loach.\n    Pink Body Gastromyzon is best treated as a rare collector loach for mature, oxygen-rich aquariums with stable water, smooth grazing surfaces, and established biofilm.\n    Its beauty is subtle, unusual, and most impressive in a clean planted or river-style display.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    We also offer a Green Body form of \u003cem\u003eGastromyzon lepidogaster\u003c\/em\u003e.\n    Both forms share the same care requirements; the difference is body colour, rarity expression, and visual style.\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 pink body form of \u003cem\u003eGastromyzon lepidogaster\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eUnusual warm body colour compared with standard hillstream loaches\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFlattened Borneo sucker body built for gripping glass, stones, and hardscape\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNatural grazer for biofilm, soft algae, and surface growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eExcellent for mature planted tanks and river-style aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRare collector fish with strong visual difference 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\u003eRare loach collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHillstream aquarium enthusiasts\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePlanted tank keepers looking for unusual livestock\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRiver-style aquarium setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAquascapes with smooth stones, wood, and natural biofilm\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCustomers looking for a rare pink-toned freshwater fish in Canada\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    Pink Body Gastromyzon is a fish for people who appreciate subtle rarity.\n    It does not need exaggerated colours to stand out — the flattened body, soft pink tone, and constant surface-grazing behavior already make it very different from standard community fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The key to success is long-term body condition.\n    Gastromyzon may appear to be constantly grazing, but that does not always mean they are getting enough nutrition.\n    Mature biofilm, algae-based foods, and occasional protein-rich frozen foods are important for keeping them full and stable.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    We recommend watching the belly and body profile.\n    A healthy Pink Body Gastromyzon should look full, grip strongly, breathe steadily, and move confidently across glass and hardscape.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePink Body vs Green Body Gastromyzon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Pink Body and Green Body Gastromyzon are the same care level and should be kept the same way.\n    The difference is mainly visual.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePink Body:\u003c\/strong\u003e lighter warm pink or flesh-toned body appearance, best for collectors who want the rarer-looking colour form\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGreen Body:\u003c\/strong\u003e stronger green or metallic green body impression, best for customers searching the classic Green Borneo Sucker look\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Both forms need mature water, strong oxygenation, clean surfaces, and regular feeding.\n    Choose based on the colour form you prefer.\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    Pink Body Gastromyzon are peaceful hillstream loaches that spend much of their time gripping glass, rocks, and driftwood.\n    They graze biofilm and soft algae while moving across surfaces in a slow, deliberate way.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    They can be kept singly, but group behavior is more interesting.\n    We recommend keeping \u003cstrong\u003e3 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e when possible.\n    In larger aquariums with strong flow and many grazing surfaces, a group of \u003cstrong\u003e5 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e creates better activity and visibility.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Pink Body Gastromyzon should be kept in a mature, clean aquarium with high oxygenation.\n    This fish is not ideal for brand-new tanks, low-flow tanks, or aquariums with unstable water.\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 with established biofilm preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHigh oxygenation and stable water are essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eModerate to strong flow preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmooth stones, driftwood, and glass provide natural grazing surfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBright lighting can encourage algae and biofilm growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSecure lid recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A planted river-style layout is ideal.\n    Smooth stones and open flow are more important than heavy decoration.\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 Pink Body Gastromyzon, Pink Hillstream Loach, Pink Borneo Sucker, 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 the key.\n    Avoid keeping this fish in hot, low-oxygen aquariums, especially tanks with poor flow or heavy waste buildup.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Pink Body Gastromyzon are surface grazers, but they should not be left to survive only on whatever algae is already in the tank.\n    Many aquariums are too clean to support them long-term without supplemental feeding.\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 spread on smooth stones\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    Offer foods where the fish naturally feeds.\n    Gel foods or algae-based foods placed on rocks often work better than food that falls into areas with strong competition from other bottom fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Choose peaceful tank mates that enjoy clean, well-oxygenated water.\n    Avoid fish that are aggressive, overly warm-water focused, or too competitive 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\u003ePeaceful community fish in cooler, oxygen-rich aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Avoid large cichlids, predators, very warm low-flow community tanks, and aggressive bottom dwellers.\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    Pink 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    Pink Body Gastromyzon is a rare hillstream loach, not a general-purpose pleco replacement.\n    It may graze algae and biofilm, but it still needs mature surfaces, oxygen-rich water, and regular feeding.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    It will not solve every algae problem.\n    Black beard algae, staghorn algae, and heavy long hair algae usually require better control of lighting, nutrients, flow, CO2 stability, and 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 Pink Body Gastromyzon rare?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes. Pink Body \u003cem\u003eGastromyzon lepidogaster\u003c\/em\u003e is an extremely uncommon colour form and should be treated as a rare collector hillstream 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 Pink Body Gastromyzon a hillstream loach?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes. It is a Gastromyzon hillstream loach, also searched as a Borneo sucker loach or rare algae-grazing loach.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between Pink Body and Green Body Gastromyzon?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Care is the same. Pink Body has a lighter warm pink body tone, while Green Body has a stronger green or metallic green appearance.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it a good algae eater?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    It grazes biofilm and soft algae, but it should not be used as the only algae-control solution. It needs supplemental feeding for long-term health.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need strong flow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    It does best with clean, oxygen-rich water and moderate to strong flow. Oxygenation and stability are more important than extreme current alone.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it live in a normal tropical tank?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Only if the tank is mature, clean, well-oxygenated, and not too warm. Hot, stagnant tanks are not suitable.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I keep it with shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes. Pink Body Gastromyzon is generally peaceful with freshwater shrimp and is not an active shrimp predator.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I keep only one?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes, but a small group is more interesting and active. We recommend 3 or more when possible.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Topick Aquarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46232736891114,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0605\/9091\/5818\/files\/E2DDB5E4-DC4D-4682-ABCB-7347AB2C7D22.jpg?v=1788469004","url":"https:\/\/topickaquarium.com\/products\/pink-body-gastromyzon-hillstream-loach","provider":"Topick Aquarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}