Yoyo Loach

Yoyo Loach

Botia almorhae

Family: Botiidae • Origin: South Asia

Yoyo Loaches are active, patterned bottom-dwellers that will completely eradicate pest snails. Playful and social.

Min Tank
30 gal
Max Size
6"
Temperature
75-82°F
pH
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
10 years
School Size
4+
Swim Level
bottom
Hardness
5-15 dGH
semi-aggressivebeginneromnivoreschooling

Is Yoyo Loach Right for Your Tank?

Yoyo Loach is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "beginner" difficulty (2/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. A 30-gallon tank minimum is standard — most community setups will accommodate them.

Yoyo Loach is semi-aggressive — they can live with others but may bully smaller or slower fish. Choose tank mates carefully. This is a schooling species — keep at least 4 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 10 years with proper care.

Common Mistakes with Yoyo Loach

Keeping fewer than 4 together

Yoyo Loach is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 4 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.

Relying on a heater without a thermometer

Yoyo Loach needs 7582°F. Heaters malfunction or drift over time — always use a separate thermometer to verify. Temperature swings of even 3–4°F can trigger stress and disease, particularly ich.

Putting them in a tank under 30 gallons

Many beginners underestimate tank size needs. Yoyo Loach requires at least 30 gallons — ideally 55. Cramped tanks lead to stunted growth, aggression, and poor water quality.

Housing with peaceful nano fish

Yoyo Loach is semi-aggressive — small, peaceful species like neon tetras, endlers, or celestial pearl danios will be stressed, bullied, or eaten. Choose tank mates that can hold their own.

Care Tips

  • Will eat ALL snails
  • Keep in groups of 4+
  • Active and sometimes boisterous
  • Great pest snail control
  • Avoid with shrimp

Feeding: Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, snails (will eradicate pest snails).

Compatibility Notes: Will eat all snails and small shrimp. Active and boisterous. Best with robust community fish.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size
30 gallons
Recommended Tank Size
55 gallons
Swimming Level
bottom
Minimum School Size
4+ fish

Water Parameters

Temperature
7582°F
pH Range
6.57.5
Hardness (dGH)
515
Water Type
freshwater

Behavior & Temperament

Temperament
semi-aggressive
Aggression Level
2/5
Schooling
Yes
Territorial
No
Fin Nipper
No
Predatory
No
Diet Type
omnivore
Growth Rate
moderate

Will eat all snails and small shrimp. Active and boisterous. Best with robust community fish.

Breeding

Breeding Type
egg layer
Breeding Difficulty
very difficult
Lifespan
10 years

Ideal For

30 galloncommunitypest snail control

Compatible Tank Mates

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