Moderate

YoYo Loach

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Botia almorhae

Complete YoYo Loach care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 30 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

YoYo Loach

Quick Answer

YoYo Loach (Botia almorhae) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 30 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. This omnivore occupies the bottom zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

YoYo Loach (Botia almorhae) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their peaceful nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the bottom levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

YoYo Loach requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 30 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 22-26°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 6.5 - 7.5 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a omnivore, the YoYo Loach is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

YoYo Loach has a peaceful temperament. They are schooling fish and MUST be kept in a group of at least 3 individuals to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: None.

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Tank Position
Bottom
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

How many YoYo Loaches should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum group of 4 to 6 individuals in a tank of at least 40 gallons (150 liters) with a footprint of 36x15 inches (90x38 cm). YoYo loaches (Botia almorhae) are schooling fish that need the company of their own kind to feel safe and active. Groups under 4 cause chronic hiding and stress. A school of 8+ displays natural playful behavior. Provide fine sand substrate, multiple caves (PVC pipes, driftwood), and smooth rocks. Tank length must exceed 36 inches (90 cm).
What are the exact water parameters for YoYo Loaches?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 4 - 12 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 3 - 10 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 120 - 300 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 250 - 600 μS/cm, and temperature 75°F - 82°F (24°C - 28°C). They require stable, clean water with low nitrates (<15 ppm). Maintain weekly 25% water changes. Use a canister filter with moderate flow (6-8x turnover). Provide sand substrate; gravel damages barbels. Add driftwood and smooth rocks. Use a tight-fitting lid; they are jumpers.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for YoYo Loaches?
They are omnivores requiring 40% protein, 10% fat, 50% plant matter. Feed sinking loach pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, blanched zucchini, and spirulina wafers daily. They actively consume nuisance snails (bladder, ramshorn). Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.15 mg/L) but sensitive to formalin. Scaleless; use malachite green at quarter dose (0.025 mg/L). Praziquantel is safe. Avoid salt (tolerance <3 ppt). Quarantine with metronidazole at half-strength.
How to breed YoYo Loaches in captivity?
Breeding is rare and requires large tanks (75+ gallons) with hormonal stimulation. Condition a group of 6-8 with live blackworms and bloodworms for 4 weeks. Simulate rainy season: Lower temperature to 70°F (21°C), perform 50% water change with cool soft water over 4 hours, increase water flow. They are egg-scatterers over fine-leaf plants. Female releases 1,000-3,000 eggs. Remove parents after spawning (they eat eggs). Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours at 75°F (24°C). Fry require green water for 5 days, then baby brine shrimp. Not recommended for beginners.