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Maximum size : 15 cm

Yoyo Loach - Botia Almorhae : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide

Table of contents

Introduction

The Yoyo Loach (Botia Almorhae) is a stunning and lively fish that brings a lot of personality to any community aquarium. Its sociable and robust nature makes it a great addition to any aquarium community, as long as they are kept in groups of five or more. These Loaches are known for their playful and active behavior, making them great companions for other small-medium sized species, such as some members of the Danio and Barb families. However, it is best to avoid keeping them with shy or slow-moving fish that may be easily stressed by their energetic personalities. To accommodate their size and swimming needs, it is recommended to house Yoyo Loaches in an aquarium at least 5ft long. A fine sand substrate will protect their delicate barbel area, and plenty of hiding spots should be provided with bogwood, caves, and aquatic plants. Water quality is crucial, so it is essential to carry out regular partial water changes of 10 to 15% twice a week. Subdued lighting is also necessary to provide a natural environment for these loaches. The Yoyo Loach has a beautiful, slender, and silvery-blue body with distinct dark and pale bars. Their markings often resemble the letters Y and O when young, which inspired their name. As they mature, these markings fade, giving way to a more reticulated pattern. They also have a pointed head, a downward-pointing mouth with four pairs of barbels, and can be heard making a clicking sound when feeding on the surface. In conclusion, the Yoyo Loach is a fascinating and delightful fish that adds a lot of activity and charm to any community aquarium. With proper care and attention, they can thrive and provide a lot of enjoyment for any fish enthusiast.

Yoyo Loach Photos

Sexual Dimorphism

Distinguishing male and female Yoyo Loaches can be a slightly challenging task, especially for novice fish keepers. Nonetheless, females are generally plumper compared to males, who tend to have a more slender body structure. Additionally, male Yoyo Loaches may exhibit a reddish hue on and around their barbels.

Quick Facts

Scientific NameBotia Almorhae
Year Described1831
Other NamesAlmora Loach, Pakistani Loach, Reticulated loach
ClassificationActinopterygii
OrderCypriniformes
FamilyBotiidae
GenusBotia
OriginsBangladesh Nepal
Max Size15 cm
TemperamentPeaceful
Aquarium LevelBottom
DifficultyBeginner - Intermediate
ShoalingYes
Best kept asGroups 5+
DietOmnivore
ReproductionEgg-Layer
Lifespan6-16 years

Water Parameters

Water TypeFreshwater
PH6.0 - 7.6
GH3 - 12
KH
TDS
Temperature
73 - 82
22.8 - 27.8

Natural Habitat

The Yoyo Loach hails from the exotic waters of Bangladesh, Nepal, and the north and northeast of India, is a true marvel of nature. This unique fish is a sight to behold as it thrives in clear, slow-moving, warm, soft, and acidic waters with plenty of oxygenation. You'll typically find them nestled in the bends of the river or in small pools that are teeming with aquatic vegetation and rocky substrates. What's truly fascinating about these loaches is their behaviour. In the wild, they'll venture upstream when it's time to spawn, returning downstream to spend the rest of their days. It's a natural cycle that's both awe-inspiring and captivating to observe. If you're looking to add some diversity to your aquatic ecosystem, the Yoyo Loach is an excellent choice. With its unique habitat requirements and interesting behaviour, this species is sure to impress even the most discerning aquarists.

Breeding

It is a well-known fact that breeding the Yoyo Loach is an incredibly arduous task, primarily because this fish migrates upstream to spawn in its natural habitat. While it is possible to observe mature females carrying eggs in captivity, successful breeding in home aquariums is highly unlikely.

Diet & feeding

Yoyo Loaches (Botia almorhae) are not picky eaters, and they will readily consume most commercial food offerings such as high-quality pellets and flakes. However, as they are primarily bottom feeders, sinking pellets and flakes should be offered to them. Additionally, to provide them with a more varied diet and to promote optimal nutrition, supplementing their diet with some vegetable matter is recommended. While Yoyo Loaches are not molluscivores, they do enjoy snacking on small snails, which can also help keep snail populations in check in the aquarium. Offering a diverse diet will help ensure that these fish receive all the necessary nutrients and maintain their overall health and vitality.

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