All fish / Botiidae

Yoyo Loach

Botia almorhae

Also known as yo-yo loach, pakistani loach, reticulated loach, almora loach, lohachata loach, botia lohachata, yoyo botia, botia yoyo, ปลาหมูโยโย่, ヨーヨーローチ, ボティア・ロハチャタ, 网纹沙鳅

A slim, pointed-snouted loach with a silvery grey body marked by dark reticulated bands that often spell out letters like Y and O in younger fish. It is kept for its lively, playful behaviour in groups and its appetite for pest snails.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, small snails, blanched vegetables

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan (Ganges and Indus basins)

Breeding

Not reported to breed naturally in home aquariums. Fish in the trade come from wild collection or from hormone-induced spawning on farms.

Good to know

Botia lohachata is commonly applied to this fish but the trade species is usually Botia almorhae, and the two are often confused. It nips and bullies slow, long-finned tankmates, makes clicking sounds, and needs a tight lid and soft substrate.