Yo Yo Loach (Botia almorhae)

The Yo Yo Loach (Botia almorhae), also called the Pakistani Loach, is a striking bottom-dwelling fish patterned with black "Y" and "O" markings on a silver body. Active, social, and intelligent, they're prized in planted community tanks — and they're also one of the best natural solutions for nuisance pest snails. Pair with other peaceful, mid-water community fish from our freshwater fish selection.

Care Guide

• Care level: Intermediate
• Minimum tank size: 40 gallons (larger for groups of 5+)
• Temperature: 75–82°F
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3–12 dGH)
• Diet: Omnivore — sinking pellets, wafers, live/frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and pest snails
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, boisterous; less nippy when kept in groups of 5+
• Group size: Keep 5 or more — they're highly social and stress easily when alone

Specifications

Compatibility

Best kept in groups of 5+ with similarly active mid-water community fish. Provide caves, driftwood, and dense planting so they have territory and hiding spots. Good tank mates include:

• Zebra danios
• Medium-bodied tetras (skirt, serpae, congo)
• Rasboras and active barbs
• Pearl gouramis and other peaceful gouramis
• Plecos and other loaches (kuhli loach)

Avoid keeping with timid, slow, or long-finned fish (bettas, fancy guppies, angelfish) — yo yos can be boisterous and may fin-nip when they get rowdy. Do not house with small ornamental snails — yo yos will hunt and eat them.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake — supplemental high-protein food
• Browse all freshwater fish food for sinking pellets and wafers
• CaribSea Scapers Select Driftwood — gives them territory and shelter
• Cholla Wood Branches — natural caves for loaches
• Live freshwater plants — dense planting reduces stress
• All freshwater livestock & supplies

FAQ

Will yo yo loaches really eat my snails?
Yes — they're one of the most effective natural pest snail controllers in the hobby. They'll work through bladder snails, ramshorns, and Malaysian trumpet snails over time. Keep that in mind if you also keep ornamental snails.

How many should I keep?
Five or more. Yo yos are highly social and will become stressed, withdrawn, or nippy when kept in smaller groups. A proper group also keeps them more confident and active.

Do they need a heater?
Yes — they're tropical fish. Stable temperatures between 75–82°F suit them well.

Are they aggressive?
They're best described as "boisterous" rather than aggressive. They aren't predators of similarly-sized fish, but they can be too active or rough for very timid or long-finned tank mates. Kept in a proper group with active community fish, they're well-behaved.

Can they jump?
Yes — keep a tight-fitting lid. Loaches are notorious escape artists, especially when first added to a new tank.