Neohomaloptera johorensis "Red Mini Marble Loach"

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (Local populations threatened by deforestation and sedimentation)

Imported on December 10, 2025 — shipping begins on December 22, 2025

Important note: These fish are wild-caught, please proceed with caution.

Neohomaloptera johorensis (“Johor Hillstream Loach”)

Neohomaloptera johorensis is a small, cryptic, streamlined hillstream loach native to the clear, fast-flowing blackwater forest streams of Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in Johor. These loaches inhabit cool, oxygen-rich waters with smooth rocks, dense moss growth, and steady current. Their flattened bodies, rounded fins, and subtle reticulated patterning allow them to cling tightly to rock surfaces in flowing water while grazing on biofilm. This species is peaceful, active, and highly specialized—best kept by aquarists able to maintain stable blackwater forest stream conditions.

Size:
Adults reach approximately 5–6 cm (≈ 2.0–2.4″) total length.

Water parameters:
Cool, clean, oxygen-rich water is essential.
pH 6.0 – 7.2
GH 2 – 8 °d
KH 1 – 4 °d
TDS 60 – 150 ppm
Provide strong water movement, abundant smooth stones, and shaded areas created by driftwood or plants. Biofilm- and algae-covered surfaces are important grazing zones.

Temperature:
20 – 25 °C (68 – 77 °F); cooler temperatures reflect their natural habitat and support long-term health.

Food:
Primarily biofilm and micro-invertebrate grazers.
Offer:
– Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini)
– Repashy “Soilent Green” or similar gel foods
– Frozen cyclops, daphnia, and baby brine shrimp
– Algae wafers and fine sinking foods
A mature tank rich in natural algae and biofilm is extremely beneficial.

Tankmates:
Peaceful and best kept in groups of 6 or more to encourage natural activity and reduce stress.
Suitable tankmates include:
– Small rasboras
– Danionins
– Pseudomugil species
– Licorice gouramis (Parosphromenus spp.)
– Small bettas such as Betta channoides and Betta albimarginata
– Other gentle, flow-loving fishes
Avoid large, aggressive, or slow-moving species that cannot tolerate moderate current.

Breeding:
Breeding in home aquaria is rare.
Spawning is believed to occur in high-flow microhabitats between rocks, where eggs are deposited and left without parental care.
Fry are extremely small and require microfoods, biofilm, and stable, high-oxygen conditions.
Most reported successes come from mature, heavily seasoned river setups.

Important note:
As wild-caught Neohomaloptera johorensis, these loaches are sensitive to warm temperatures, low oxygen, and poor water quality.
Acclimate slowly and maintain strong flow, high dissolved oxygen, and very clean water.
Provide mature aquaria with abundant grazing surfaces and avoid abrupt parameter changes.
Habitat destruction and sedimentation in Malaysian forest streams continue to threaten wild populations, so captive maintenance and responsible husbandry are strongly encouraged.