Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Botia almorhae
Botia grandis
Common name
Yoyo loach
Origin
Origin: Asia, India, Nepal, Pakistan
Biotope: Asian
Dimorphism
The male is slightly red on the head and tail
Group
Cobitidae
Volume
250 L / 55 imp gal / 66 US gal
Parameters
T°: 24 to 25°C or 75 to 77°F
pH: 6 to 7.5
Hardness: 6 to 11°dGH
Difficulty
Easy
Size
10 to 14 cm (4 to 5.5")
Longevity
15 years
Living zone
Depth
Individuals
6 or more
Food
Food
How to feed the Yoyo loach?
Omnivorous: all forms of food are accepted.
Behavior
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Yoyo loach have?
Gregarians, they must imperatively be maintained in groups. If the group is too small, like a duo or a trio, the Yoyo loach become territorial and aggressive with these congeners (some of them could even stop feeding under the pressure of the dominant). Likewise, a single loach will be aggressive with species that resemble him.
In general, these fish are peaceful or shy, but still very active. This last behavior can stress the slow and calm fish which are therefore to be avoided.
Cohabitation
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Yoyo loach?
The Yoyo loach is not aggressive and can live in a community aquarium without much difficulty. However, do not combine other bottom fish such as Corydoras, or fish that are too small or too cold, that could be frightened by its intense activity. The wing species, such as Betta, Guppy and some Cichlids, may be «pinched» by the loach.
On the other hand, you can associate it for example with Garra, Epalzeorhynchos, Crossocheilus, Pentazona barbs, Otocinclus or the likes of Barilius, Balantiocheilos, Barbonymus, Luciosoma.
Breeding
Breeding
How to breed the Yoyo loach?
No data to date on breeding in the aquarium (it is only possible using hormones).
Its aquarium
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Yoyo loach?
The Yoyo loach is a groundfish, so a substrate of non-cutting fine sand is imperative.
Set up your aquarium in a structured way. For example, plan numerous hiding places made up of roots and rocks. You can complete with lush vegetation composed for example of Java Mousse or Anubias that you add to the decoration. Pay special attention to the safety and stability of your decorative arrangement: the Yoyo loach sneaks into the narrow crevices, cracks and interstices. We must therefore ensure that the decorative elements are not too sharp (take worn rocks for example) and that no hiding place or nook are too small because the fish can get stuck in it.
In general, this species does not like strong currents (individual exceptions exist). Nevertheless, it appreciates clear water, which requires good filtration and regular water changes (30 to 50% of the volume each week).
Note that the Yoyo loach can jump out of the aquarium, remember to cover it well.
Good To know
Good To know
Find all additional information!
This loach often feeds on aquarium snails. As a result, this species is regularly sold to cope with the proliferation of snails. But you understand that, with the need for congeners, as well as its size and Longevity, the purchase of a Yoyo loach should not be taken lightly!
Sometimes, it emits an audible snap whose behavioral meaning is unknown.
Yours photos!
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