Scientific Name: Gastromyzon lepidogaster (Roberts, 1982)
Common name: None.
Synonyms: None.
Distribution: Indonesia, Malaysia.
Sexual Dimorphism: Females probably plumper all over than males.
Maximum size: 4 inches
Similar to: Other Gastromyzon.
Care: Inhabit fast flowing streams in riffles. Aquarium must duplicate these conditions as fish have very high oxygen requirements.
See: http://www.loaches.com/hillstream_loaches.html for more detailed explanation.
With all Gastromyzon species, care is broadly the same. All need excellent water-flow and aeration, numerous rocky hiding places and smooth pebbles and boulders to graze over. Lighting should be bright to encourage algal growth in the aquarium. Plants are not necessary as the fish do not normally encounter them in the wild, but they will help with water-quality. Suitable plants for high-flow environments are Anubias and Microsoreum. These will grow on rockwork or driftwood.
Feeding: Good quality flake, sinking pellets, algae wafers, thawed frozen Bloodworm, Mysis Shrimp, blanched Spinach, Kale, natural algae an advantage.
Water parameters: pH:7.0-8.0. Hardness: Medium. Max dh:
Temperature: 68ºF to 75ºF (20-23.8°C)
Breeding: Not bred in aquaria.
Notes: Gastromyzon lepidogaster may not have made it into the ornamental fish trade. From the photograph, it appears relatively unnatractive, and may therefore not be caught intentionally for export. However, it is possible it may arrive as a by-catch of other species.
Caption: Gastromyzon lepidogaster
Credit: Dr. Keith Martin-Smith