The Yoyo Loach (Botia almorhae), also known as the Almora loach or Pakistani loach, is a captivating freshwater fish admired for its distinctive giraffe-like pattern and lively demeanor. This bottom-dwelling scavenger is native to the still and slow-moving waters of India and Pakistan, making it a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts.
Appearance and Anatomy
Belonging to the genus Botia, which encompasses around 20 species of Indian loaches, the yoyo loach exhibits a narrow, elongated body adorned with very small scales embedded in its skin. Though similar in body shape to other loaches, the yoyo loach is distinguished by its unique markings. Yoyo loaches are silver or pale in color with dark markings that resemble the letters Y and O. At maturity, the yoyo loach grows up to 5 inches in length.
These loaches possess two unique anatomical features. First, they have a pair of razor-sharp spines that sit under their eye sockets. When the loach feels threatened, they can extend the spines in order to defend themselves. Second, they possess a set of pharyngeal teeth which they often use to produce a clicking noise at feeding time. These teeth are particularly useful in extracting snails from their shells.
The name yoyo loach was given to the species by Ken Childs, an acclaimed aquatic photographer, who observed the fish jumping in a pattern that reminded him of a yoyo.
Tank Setup
When setting up a tank for yoyo loaches, several factors must be considered to ensure their health and well-being.
Read also: Understanding Yo-Yo Dieting
Tank Size
Though they can be kept in tanks as small as 20 gallons, it’s important to consider the species’ high activity level and social needs. The minimum yoyo loach tank size is 20 gallons, but you’ll need a much larger tank if you plan to keep a group of them or house them with other fish.
Water Parameters
Native to the still and slow-moving waters of India and Pakistan, yoyo loaches require warm, soft, and slightly acidic water. They can adapt to various pH levels but prefer a range of 6.5 to 7.5.
Substrate and Decoration
Be mindful of what substrate you use in your yoyo loach tank. Though not scaleless, the yoyo loach is prone to injury with sharp substrate.Space is extremely important for an active species like the yoyo loach, but it’s equally important to provide plenty of space to hide. Yoyo loaches are most active at night, so they’ll need caves and places to rest during the day.
Another thing to remember about yoyo loaches is that they tend to jump.
Diet and Feeding
Yoyo loaches are omnivores and scavengers, so they’ll feed on just about anything they can find in the tank. In the home aquarium, yoyo loaches can be fed a variety of dry, frozen, fresh, and freeze-dried foods. Sinking foods may be best, as these fish tend to feed from the bottom of the tank.
Read also: Feeding Clown Loaches
Temperament and Compatibility
The yoyo loach is considered a semi-aggressive species, but they don’t tend to bother other tankmates as long as they have enough space and places to hide. If your tank is already stocked, avoid adding yoyo loaches if your current tank inhabitants are shy or slow-moving species. An active and social species like the yoyo loach may stress them out.
Breeding
Male and female yoyo loaches are very similar in appearance, though males may have a slenderer appearance. This difference will be most noticeable when the female becomes fat with eggs. Though it’s common for female yoyo loaches to develop eggs, this species does not breed readily in captivity. Yoyo loaches require very specific conditions for spawning, and it can be difficult to keep the eggs healthy enough that they hatch.
Acclimation
Yoyo loaches make attractive and entertaining additions to large, planted tanks. Just be sure your tank is mature and stable then give your loaches plenty of time to acclimate. They may be shy at first but, once they get comfortable, you’ll start to see their social side.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Dojo Loaches