The Yoyo Loach is a vibrantly colored fish that brings energy and activity to every tank. Dark colored bands are accented with light blue tint. Combined with the pale silver of their bodies, Yoyo Loaches stand out in any group.
Fish Keeping World tells us more:
"They are typically a peaceful fish but are known to fight with members of their own species. They do well with other fish that are peaceful and can even stand their own with more aggressive fish."
They also appear to have a "Y-O-Y-O" pattern on their sides! Their long and slender bodies show off the pattern well, and their fins are mostly translucent and have a forked caudal fin.
Breed overview
The Spruce Pets tells us:
"The yoyo loach comes from slow-moving and still freshwater rivers in India and Pakistan. It prefers to congregate in still pools with rocky substrates where there is plenty of aquatic vegetation and food."
Quick breed facts include:
- Origin: North and Northeast India
- Social: Generally peaceful!
- Tank level: These are bottom dwellers
- Minimum tank size: 20-gallon tank at least
- Diet: They eat most foods and are omnivores
- Care: Intermediate level makes the most sense
Tank conditions
When it comes to tankmates, it is important to avoid larger and more aggressive fish. Smaller, peaceful fish are ideal companions for these guys, while slow-movers are also to be avoided.
Fish Keeping World offers specific instructions about ideal tank conditions:
- Temperature: 75.0-86.0°F
- pH Range: 6.5-7.5
- Hardness Range: 3-10 dGH
"Keeping these conditions constant is important to keep these fish happy and healthy. They prefer large gravel or small rocks for substrate as it is easy for them to search for food."
Fill your tank with lots of natural cover like plants, since Yoyo Loaches are moving around often and want sneaky spots to set up camp!
Behavior and temperament
These fish are active during the day and constantly looking for food.
"They are known to be semi-aggressive to members of their own species but this doesn't mean they cannot be kept together. Having a group of 5 or 6 individuals will mean that no one fish will be bullied to the point of harm."
What about their care level when it comes to diet? Your aquarium will need a lot of hiding places like driftwood and these 'scaleless fish' enjoy eating meaty foods, but are omnivorous and can eat vegetation if insects and other animals are scarce. Yoyo loaches are easy to feed. They are peculiarly fond of live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Their scientific name is: Botia lohachata
Other common names are Yo Yo Loach, Almorha Loach, Pakistani Loach, Reticulated Loach, and Y-Loach.
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