Panda Loach (Yaoshania pachychilus)
The Panda Loach is a peaceful fish that is highly sociable; therefore, you should keep them in good-sized groups of at least 5, although more would be far more beneficial. The larger the group, the better the chances are of obtaining both sexes, which may lead to spawning opportunities.
They can be kept alongside other sub-tropical species such as White Cloud Mountain Minnows and many species from the Danio family, plus other hillstream loach species.
Like other species that inhabit fresh running waters, these loaches will not be able to tolerate a build-up of nitrates within the aquarium and require exceptional water conditions at all times if they are to thrive. Therefore powerful filtration and regular partial water changes are essential.
The Panda Loach Juveniles are strikingly coloured in black-and-white botches, but they lose the boldness as they mature. However, they are still attractive and have a mottled brown and cream appearance, with a dark band forming along the lateral line.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Yaoshania pachychilus |
| Other Names | None |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Gastromyzontidae |
| Genus | Yaoshania |
| Origins | China |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | up to 8 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 25 |
| TDS | 36 - 268 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 68 - 75℉ 20 - 23.9℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Panda Loach will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Tank Mates
1 interesting tank mate ideas for the Panda Loach could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexing of the Panda Loach is undocumented, but it is believed that the females are heavier bodied than the males.