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 are prized in planted community tanks, and they are also one of the best natural solutions for nuisance pest snails. Pair with other active, mid-water community fish from our freshwater fish selection.

Care Guide

• Care level: intermediate
• Minimum tank size: 40 gallons, larger for groups of 5 or more
• Temperature: 75 to 82°F
• pH: 6.5 to 7.5
• Hardness: soft to moderately hard, 3 to 12 dGH
• Diet: omnivore. Sinking pellets, wafers, live and frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp, plus pest snails.
• Temperament: semi-aggressive and boisterous, noticeably less nippy when kept in groups of 5 or more
• Group size: keep 5 or more. They are highly social and stress easily when alone.
• Lid required: loaches are notorious escape artists, especially in the first weeks after a move.

Specifications

Compatibility

Best kept in groups of 5 or more 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 such as skirt, serpae, and congo
• Rasboras and active barbs
• Pearl Gouramis and other peaceful gouramis
• Plecos and other loaches, including the Kuhli Loach, which works the night shift while the yo yos sleep

Avoid: timid, slow, or long finned fish such as bettas, fancy guppies, and angelfish, since yo yos can be boisterous and may fin nip when they get rowdy. Do not house them with small ornamental snails, because yo yos will hunt and eat them.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Hikari Sinking Wafers, an easy staple that reaches the bottom intact
• Fluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Formula, insect based sinking granules
• Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake, supplemental high protein food
• CaribSea Scapers Select Driftwood, gives them territory and shelter
• Cholla Wood Branches, natural caves for loaches
• Live freshwater plants, dense planting reduces stress

FAQ

Will yo yo loaches really eat my snails?
Yes. They are one of the most effective natural pest snail controllers in the hobby, and they will 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 in smaller groups. A proper group also keeps them more confident and active.

Do they need a heater?
Yes. They are tropical fish, and stable temperatures between 75 and 82°F suit them well.

Are they aggressive?
Boisterous is a better word than aggressive. They are not 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 are well behaved.

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