Zebra hillstream loach

Pseudogastromyzon fasciatus

Dark bars over a pale yellow-brown body, with a raised dorsal during territorial displays

A low head with upper-set eyes, dark brown flank bars and finer head spots. The tail is obliquely truncate with longer lower rays. Bar counts vary.

Adult length: Up to 8.2 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–23.8 °C

Native range: The Wuyi Mountains and adjoining southern drainages in southeastern China.

Natural habitat: Inhabits mountain streams.

Keep at 20–23.8°C and pH 7.0–8.0, with fast flow and high oxygen; hardness up to 12 dGH. Reaches about three inches at most.

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Appearance and identification

Its flank bars are more conspicuous than the irregular, connected blotches of P. myersi. L. changtingensis can also be barred, so colour alone does not establish the genus.

Floor and movement space

Provide rock cover and grazing surfaces.

Aquarium environment

Use flow-tolerant Anubias and Java fern attached to hardscape. Gravel digging may disturb loose substrate or newly rooted plants.

Diet and feeding

Takes flakes, sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen bloodworm and Mysis, and softened leafy greens, and digs through gravel for food. Supply food and check it feeds rather than relying on natural algae.

Same-species behaviour

Territorial, with disputes shown by an erect yellow dorsal fin; its larger size can make other hillstream loaches yield. Not a guaranteed peaceful schooling fish.

Compatibility limits

Weaker bottom-dwelling companions may have to yield. Provide dispersed feeding surfaces and retreat routes. Young shrimp may be at risk.

Sources

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-23

doi.org ↗ 2026-10-23