Overview
- The Yoyo Loach is usually sold as Botia almorhae. Its pale body has dark markings that can look like the letters “YOYO.”
- [UNVERIFIED] Many trade fish may be B. lohachata or related species. The true appearance of B. almorhae is unclear.
- Native to northern India and Nepal. [UNVERIFIED]
- Grows to about 6 in (16 cm) standard length.
Feeding
- Mainly carnivorous: snails, insect larvae and worms.
- Offer sinking foods, bloodworm and brine shrimp, plus some vegetables. [UNVERIFIED]
Habitat
- A tank with a base of 48 × 18 in (120 × 45 cm).
- Sand or fine gravel, smooth rocks, roots and caves.
- Water: 66–82°F (19–27.5°C), pH 6.0–7.5, GH 2–12.
Fish Care
- Eats snails, which helps control them. [UNVERIFIED]
Compatibility
- Not aggressive, but its size and activity can intimidate small fish.
- Avoid much smaller fish and slow, long-finned fish such as bettas and guppies, whose fins may be nipped.
Aquarium Behavior
- Active and sociable. [UNVERIFIED] Keep a group of at least 5.
Breeding
- Not bred in home aquariums. Some botiids are farmed using hormones, and hybrids are appearing.