Botia almorhae
Named for the Y-O-Y-O pattern on the silver body. Highly social and visibly happier in groups of five or more, with regular play behaviour like chasing and rolling. The classic loach solution for a snail outbreak.
Yoyo Loach (Botia almorhae) reaches 10–15 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 150 L. Native to Ganges and Indus basins, it lives in the bottom water column with a peaceful (interactive) temperament. Aim for 23–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.8, and 5–15 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 10–15 years with good care. Keep yoyo loach in groups of 5+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore (loves snails), Sinking pellet, frozen bloodworm and shrimp, snail control as a bonus. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: No (eats shrimp readily).
Care at a glance
Named for the Y-O-Y-O pattern on the silver body. Highly social and visibly happier in groups of five or more, with regular play behaviour like chasing and rolling. The classic loach solution for a snail outbreak.
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The parameters that decide whether yoyo loach fits in your tank.
Bottom
Yes
Group of 5+
Botiidae
Omnivore (loves snails)
Sinking pellet, frozen bloodworm and shrimp, snail control as a bonus.
10–15 yrs
Very hard
Ganges and Indus basins
Ganges and Indus basins
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
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Yoyo Loach (Botia almorhae) needs a minimum tank of 150 L. They live in the bottom water column and should be kept in groups of 5+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 23–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.8, and 5–15 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: No (eats shrimp readily). Plant safety: Yes.
Yoyo Loach are omnivore (loves snails). Sinking pellet, frozen bloodworm and shrimp, snail control as a bonus.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: very hard.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 10–15 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
