Here are some good commercial options you can try:
- Tetra Shrimp Wafers – This product is ideal for loaches and catfish that specialize in bottom-feeding. These tiny...
- HIKARI Sinking Wafers – These sinking wafers offer a more complete content, comprising of multiple vegetable nutrients...
- Aqueon Bottom Feeder Tablets – This is another specialized product designed with...
Full Answer
What do Yoyo loaches eat?
Yoyo loaches are omnivorous fish, meaning they’ll eat just about anything. They love pellet and flake foods such as brine shrimp (frozen or live), daphnia, mosquito larvae, tubifex as well as vegetable foods like algae wafers. Not only that.
Can you keep Yoyo loaches in a freshwater tank?
If you have a freshwater tank, then you might want to try keeping some Yoyo Loaches. Hopefully this Yoyo Loach care guide has fully prepared you for any outcome. Oh, and sharing is caring. If you liked the article, please feel free to share.
What do loaches eat in an aquarium?
As with most other aquarium fish, they may eat some vegetarian foods like lettuce, spinach, and cucumber, but algae wafers are their personal favorite. These days, there is a lot of fish feed that can be bought over the counter, but read the labels and the reviews related to these before you actually buy these for your loaches.
Can you breed Yoyo loaches?
They are known to migrate during the breeding season, preventing any slightest chance of the male species ever fertilizing the female’s eggs in captivity. In summary, breeding Yoyo Loaches is best left for experienced breeders who might have done it successfully before.
What is a Yoyo Loach?
Yoyo Loach (Botia almorhae) also known as Pakistani Loach can be attributed to such aquarium fishes, which requires great experience and attention when maintaining. Yoyo loach remains one of the most beloved in experienced aquarists community.
Where do Yoyo loaches live?
Habitat. In the wild, the Yoyo loach lives in quiet backwaters, small rivers and flowing lakes in Pakistan and India. In wild conditions, the size of the loaches reaches up to 20 cm in length. However, when grown at home in an aquarium, the fish grows only up to 7 cm. It is worth noting that the classification of varieties ...
Why is a yoyo loach called succulent?
An American photographer called this fish as YoYo Loach because on the side it has a characteristic silver pattern on its body, reminiscent of the Latin letters Y and O. Yoyo Loach is also called succulent.
How much space do you need for a yoyo loach?
Yoyo Loach in aquariums needs a lot of space. If the house contains at least one pair of these fish , then the volume of the tank should be at least 80 liters. The bottom of the aquarium should be wide. You will also need to take care of having excellent filtration and aeration.
What causes a yoyo loach to have white lumps?
This disease is quite common among Yoyo Loach. It develops as a result of infection of unicellular ciliary ciliates, which is mainly concentrated in the feed. The first symptoms of the disease are small white lumps on the body that look like semolina. To get rid of ciliates, the temperature of the water is raised, and also aeration is enhanced.
Why do yoyo loach fish lose weight?
Sometimes the fish dramatically lose weight. The main reason for this lies in infection with the fungus. To cure individuals, it is necessary to use antibiotics, which can be purchased at a specialized pet store. This disease is quite common among Yoyo Loach.
How long do Pakistani loach live?
The head of Pakistani loach is small in size, the mouth is located below, four pairs of rather sensitive antennae are located nearby. When kept in an aquarium, the life span of one individual can be up to 7 years. However, there have been cases when the fish survived to 16 years.
Where do yoyo loaches come from?
The yoyo loach fish is native to the still and slow-moving freshwater rivers of Pakistan and India. Note that yoyo loaches from India are lighter in colour than those from Pakistan.
Why are yoyo loaches aggressive?
It’s also important to note that yoyo loaches may seem aggressive with other members of their species but that’s only because they’re tussling for dominance.
What is the name of the fish that you can keep in an aquarium?
Have you been looking for an exquisite fish to keep in your aquarium? Scientifically known as Botia almorhae, the Yoyo Loach is one of the most unique fishes to grace the aquarium pet industry.
How many gallons of water do you need for a loach tank?
What’s more, limit yourself to one fish per every 10- to 15- gallon tank. So to keep four yoyo loaches, you need at least 70 gallons.
How many barbels does a loach have?
What’s more, the Yoyo Loach, which is also known as Pakistani Loach or Almora loach, has four pairs of barbels that protrude from its mouth area.
Where do loaches spawn?
All the same, all loaches spawn upstream and then move downstream to see out the rest of their lives. They also prefer to gather in still pools with plenty of aquatic food and vegetation under rocky substrates. Today, native populations of yoyo loaches are widespread through the Middle East and Asia.
Where do loach fish stick?
Remember, these fish stick to the middle and bottom of your tank, so having other specie to occupy the upper portion is always nice. Here’s a list of some of the most popular yoyo loach tank mates:
What is the worst part of keeping yoyo loaches?
The worst part of keeping Yoyo Loaches is that they tend to be the first species affected by illness in a tank.
How to get a Yoyo Loach to dig in the sand?
Fill the bottom of the tank with a soft sand substrate. Yoyo Loaches love to dig in the sand when they are playing. They can also use their barbels to look through the sand for something to munch on.
What is the color of yoyo loaches?
Usually, the base color of the fish is silver. You might see some fish with a slight blue tint as well. Some even have gold or yellowish base colors. On top of that primary color is a distinct reticulated pattern.
What is a Yoyo Loach?
The Yoyo Loach ( Botia almorhae) is a freshwater fish that goes by many different names. You may seem them marketed as Almora Loaches, Lohahata Botia Loaches, and even Pakistani Loaches. The latter name is a bit inaccurate.
How long do yoyo loach live?
On average, the Yoyo Loach lifespan is somewhere between 5 and 8 years when in captivity. This is a healthy estimate. However, many seasoned aquarists have seen their fish live for much longer than that. On the upper end of the spectrum, these fish can thrive for around 20 years!
How big of a tank do you need for a yoyo?
Tank Size. Adult Yoyo Loaches need a minimum tank size of 40 gallons to stay healthy. Juveniles do well in 20 or 30-gallon tanks. These numbers only work if you’re planning on keeping a single Yoyo Loach in your aquarium, which isn’t recommended. We’ll get into that a bit later.
How big is a yoyo loach?
Yoyo Loach Size. The typical Yoyo Loach size is only about 2.5 inches long when fully grown. However, their size can depend on several factors. Diet, tank size, and genetics are all major factors that influence how bit these fish can get. In the wild, they’re capable of reaching a max size of 6 inches in length.
How much space do yoyo loaches need?
Yoyo Loaches need at least a 40 gallon tank. When they are young these fish will be fine in a 20 gallon aquarium, but as they get bigger, they will need more space.
What color is a yoyo loach?
The Yoyo Loach is an interestingly colored fish that brings energy and activity to your tank. Their dark bands with light blue tint contrasts against their silver bodies creating a really interesting look. This fish is generally peaceful but is known to fight with members of their own species. They do well with other fish ...
What does a Yoyo Loach look like?
It is hard to talk about this fish without mentioning their coloration. At first glance, they seem to look like the Zebra with the black stripes and white contrast. While it is funny to think of a Zebra with gills, these fish are much more unique when it comes their pattern.
Where did the Yoyo Loach fish come from?
Originally from Pakistan, this fish also earned the name Pakistani Loach. The common name, Yoyo Loach, was given to these fish after photographer Ken Childs noticed how much these fish resemble the child’s toy as they move up and down in the water column. They also appear to have a “Y-O-Y-O” pattern on their sides.
How many families are there of loaches?
A few studies carried out on loaches led to a reclassification, and loaches are now divided into five families: Balitoridae, Botiidae, Cobitidae, Nemacheilidae and Vaillantellidae. They are extremely diverse and widespread through Asia and the Middle East.
Are Yoyo Loaches Suitable For Your Aquarium?
So after all this, the answer is simple. If you are ready to keep water conditions as stable as possible then these fish might just be perfect for you.
What Do Yoyo Loach Fish Eat?
Even though the Yoyo is generally omnivorous and accompanies vegetation in its diet, it particularly enjoys eating meaty foods. However, it doesn't necessarily need the the meat and if insects and the like grow scarce they can certainly survive on feeding of plant matter and vegetation.
What color are yoyo loach fish?
The juvenile Yoyo loach fish usually has a very different color from their mature adult counterparts. When they're young their bodies only have stripes, but as they get older they begin to develop their marble-like or net-like coloring characteristics.
What Does The Yoyo Loach Look Like?
The Yoyo Loach grows up to around three inches or seven centimetres long. However, those measurements are when it's bred in captivity. When in the wild, they grow to be considerably much larger in size with measurements of around six inches or fifteen centimetres long.
What is the difference between a male and female yoyo loach?
A female Yoyo Loach fish that has grown into a mature adult is usually much rounder as well as plumper than their male counterpart, according to fishlore. Another commonly noticed difference between the male and the female fish in this species is the male, around and on its barbel, displays a more reddish pigment than that found on the female.
Why are loaches not a good fish?
This may be largely due to the fact that it has no head scales and has faint body scales. You'll have to be very careful when introducing Pakistani Loaches to established fish tanks.
How long do Pakistani loach live?
The average lifespan of the Pakistani Loach is known to range from five to eight years. Although there are some reports that claim some Loach species have lived for over sixteen years. More than half the commonly known estimates.
Can you breed yoyo loach?
Having the experience to treat scaleless fish is something you'll definitely require if you want to successfully keep and breed Yoyo Loach fish. That is if you intend for them to lead a long and healthy life.
How much water do yoyo loaches need?
Yoyo Loaches need a minimum of 20 gallons of a tank when they are young. But when they grow bigger, they need more space to swim. You need to shift them to a 40 gallons tank when the loaches are grown up.
How Many Yoyo Loaches Should I Get for A Tank?
Almora Loaches thrive in small groups. It is best to get at least 5 to 6 Yoyo Loaches while introducing them in the tank. It helps them to group together and plays. It’s not a good idea to keep them single or in pairs in a tank.
Is Yoyo Loach a Better Choice for My Aquarium?
Almora or Yoyo Loaches are an excellent selection for your aquarium. They are active fishes that provide an interesting view to your aquarium, swimming and searching for food all day. Their slender, shiny bodies with beautiful patterns enhance the visual appeal of your fish tank under the correct lighting.
How to extend Yoyo Loach's life?
Tank maintenance is vital if you wish to extend the Yoyo Loach lifespan. Always try to maintain the below discuss tank conditions and water parameters to give them a long life.
Why are yoyo loaches so sensitive?
Yoyo Loaches have thin scales , which makes them vulnerable to diseases. These sensitive fishes are very prone to illnesses and are the first species in the tank to get affected. Their tiny scales do not offer them much protection compared to other scaly fishes. Thus, whenever there is a chance of a fungal infection in the tank, they get affected before others.
What is the scientific name for yoyo loach?
The scientific name of the Yoyo Loach species is Botia almorhae, which gives it another name the Almora Loach. It is sometimes also called the Pakistani Loach because of its origin. However, the fish is generally more popular by the name Yoyo Loach for two known reasons.
What family is a loach?
Loaches are usually classified into five families, namely, Botiidae, Balitoridae, Cobitidae, Nemacheilidae, and Vaillantellidae. The Yoyo Loach belongs to the Botiidae family.
Introduction
Breeding
- Not much of a difference can be discerned between the female and males of the species. The only thing that can be noticed is that the blue highlight over the black lines becomes more prominent over the male fish and they also look much smaller than the female fish. The females are rounder and fatter, maybe because they have to lay the eggs and start producing them in the…
Care
- The yoyo loaches sleep all through the day and prefer a lot of hiding places and heavy plantations in their tank; so, ensure that you abide by all these conditions if you want to see your loaches to be happy. They come to life at night and actively swim around and play around all night through, so diffuse the light or set up the tank in such a way that a bare minimum of light streaks in through …
Diseases
- It is a tough time keeping the loaches off disease as they are very prone to them due to their almost nonexistent scales, especially on the head. They will also have to be treated very differently when they have contracted the disease and more often than not, quarantining them seems to be one of the best bets. Like most other fishes, yoyo loaches also suffer from Ich. The…
Behavior
- When you put a school of loaches into a tank, you will see that they will fight out each other until they have a leader amongst them. Most of the time during these fights it is not uncommon for the loaches to lose color. There is no need to panic in situations like these. Sooner than later, the colors will come back on. The loaches are very capable of spotting their owners, and when you a…
Aquarium Mates
- The yoyo loach is going to be actively having fun in the tank, so care has to be taken to put it in a group of fish that can behave the same way. Sluggish, not-so-active fish are a strict no-no in a tank of yoyo loaches as they will not be able to keep up the tempo of the loaches. So try to avoid such tank mates. Also, as your loaches are going to be grounded most of the time, the middle a…
Species Summary
Appearance
- Yoyo Loaches have a lot of variation when it comes to appearance. Generally, all loaches have a similar profile. They all have a long and slender body. The head has some unique features, too. For one, it has a conical shape. These fish have a bit of snout. It’s flat on the bottom, making it easy for the fish to rest on the sand. The most identifying feature of these fish is their mouths. E…
Yoyo Loach Size
- The typical Yoyo Loach size is only about 2.5 inches long when fully grown.However, their size can depend on several factors. Diet, tank size, and genetics are all major factors that influence how bit these fish can get. In the wild, they’re capable of reaching a max size of 6 inches in length. It is possible for a Yoyo Loach to reach this size in captivity as well, but you’ll need to give them …
Care
- Yoyo Loach care is about as easy as it gets. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or someone with very little experience, you shouldn’t have any major issues with this species. These are hardy little creatures that do fine in a range of water conditions! Of course, it’s still imperative that you follow the recommended care guidelines. Doing so will help the fish reach their full potential and ensur…
Food & Diet
- Yoyo Loaches have mighty appetites. They need to be fed multiple small meals throughout the day to stay healthy. But, you also have to be wary of overfeeding! These fish will eat until they get sick. Fortunately, you can feed Yoyo Loaches just about anything. They’re very opportunistic and will accept dried foods without any issues. Just make sure ...
Behavior & Temperament
- It’s a common misconception that Yoyo Loaches are timid. While they can spend some time hiding out in caves and plants, they will have no problem playing around once they get comfortable with their surroundings. In fact, they’re one of our favorite freshwater species to observe for this very reason. They thrive in groups of 4 or 5 fish. You’ll see them grouping up an…
Yoyo Loach Tank Mates
- As we stated earlier, having a small group of Yoyo Loaches is key. They do best when they’re in groups. However, it’s good to introduce other peaceful species as well. Yoyo Loaches do best when they have some stimulation from their tank mates. They need other fish to interact with, so add other similarly sized fish that can’t be viewed as food. Avoid any aggressive species that wil…
Breeding
- Don’t expect your Yoyo Loaches to breed in your tank. There are no established breeding methods available for these fish. This is because they tend to migrate during the breeding season in the wild. Females can fill up with eggs, but the eggs will not be fertilized in captivity. Professional breeders have seen some success spawning these fish. However, most of the specimens you se…
Final Thoughts
- Now that you know the basics of Yoyo Loach care you should go out and get one for yourself! These fish are a bunch of fun to own, and you’ll definitely spend a lot of time watching what they’re up to. This is one of the species we find ourselves recommending the most. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been into aquariums, this is a fish that is super-easy to own. If you have …