Yoyo loach
Botia almorhae · Botiidae
Also known as Pakistani loach, Almora loach
Intermediate
Busy, chatty loach with Y-O-Y-O markings; needs a group and plenty of caves.
In short: A yoyo loach needs at least 200 L (53 US gal), water at 23–28 °C (73–82 °F) and pH 6.5–7.8. It is semi-aggressive, best kept in groups of 5 or more, and rated intermediate to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 200 L (53 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–7.8
- Adult size
- 15 cm (5.9 in)
- Group size
- 5+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 200 L (53 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–7.8
- Hardness
- 4–15 dGH
- Lifespan
- 8–15 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — sinking pellets, snails, frozen foods.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Northern India and Nepal
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Rocky hill streams
- Natural conditions
- Cooler, clear, fast, oxygenated water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 5 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- BarbsRainbowfishLarger tetras
- Avoid
- ShrimpSnailsSlow long-finned fish
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Mature females are noticeably rounder.
- Notes
- Not reliably bred in aquariums.
- Common ailments
- IchFin nipping when under-grouped
Will it fit your tank?
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