Yoyo Loach

Botia almorhae

Also known as: Pakistani loach, Almora loach, Reticulated loach

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 23–28°C
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness (GH): 71–268 ppm (4–15 dGH)

Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.

Care Summary

A handsome, energetic loach marked with dark bands on a silvery body that, in juveniles, often form repeated Y-O-Y-O shapes, hence the name. Yoyo loaches are intelligent, active, and full of character, constantly foraging, exploring, and interacting in their group, and they are among the best fish for dealing with a pest-snail problem. They are also genuinely social and need a group of five or more to behave well, plus a roomy tank with caves and smooth substrate, since they are scaleless and bottom-oriented. Their boisterousness and nipping make them a poor fit for peaceful or long-finned community fish, but in a robust, active community of larger barbs, rainbowfish, and other loaches they are a long-lived, engaging centrepiece. Like most loaches they are sensitive to copper and to poor water quality, so stable, clean water and careful medication are important.

Tankmates

An active, sociable, boisterous loach that must be kept in a group of at least five; kept singly or in pairs they become stressed and aggressive, and in a proper group they redirect their energy into a busy social hierarchy among themselves. They are renowned snail-eaters, excellent for clearing a pest-snail outbreak but unsafe with ornamental snails or dwarf shrimp. Their fast, bustling movement and tendency to nip make them poor companions for slow or long-finned fish (bettas, fancy guppies, angelfish) and for nano species small enough to intimidate or eat; the right tankmates are robust, active, mid-sized fish such as larger barbs, rainbowfish, congo tetras, and other loaches. Provide caves, smooth substrate, and plenty of swimming space. Long-lived and personable in the right group.

Compatible with

• Tiger Barb
• Denison Barb
• Boeseman's Rainbowfish
• Congo Tetra
• Bristlenose Pleco
• Clown Loach

Avoid keeping with

• Betta
• Cherry Shrimp
• Ember Tetra
• Chili Rasbora
• Long Finned Species
• Mystery Snail

Common Problems

• stress and aggression in groups smaller than 5
• nipping slow or long-finned tankmates
• eating ornamental snails and dwarf shrimp
• sensitivity to copper and poor water quality

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-20