Logo Encyclo-Fish
francais anglais

Freshwater   Fishes

Yoyo loach
(Botia almorhae)

Yoyo loach

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

Names

Scientific name
Botia almorhae
Botia grandis

Common name
Yoyo loach

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: Asia, India, Nepal, Pakistan
Biotope: Asian

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

The male is slightly red on the head and tail

Group

Group

Cobitidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

250 L / 55 imp gal / 66 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 24 to 25°C or 75 to 77°F
pH: 6 to 7.5
Hardness: 6 to 11°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Easy

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

10 to 14 cm (4 to 5.5")

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

15 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Depth

Individuals

sociability of the species

6 or more

Food

How to feed the Yoyo loach?

Food

How to feed the Yoyo loach?

Omnivorous: all forms of food are accepted.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Yoyo loach have?

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

Who can live with the Yoyo loach?

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

How to breed the Yoyo loach?

Breeding

How to breed the Yoyo loach?

No data to date on breeding in the aquarium (it is only possible using hormones).

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Yoyo loach?

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

Find all additional information!

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!

Comments

Sort by:

Please login to post comments

back to the top