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.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
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.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
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.
