Fun Fact - The Yoyo Loach gets it's name from the distinctive pattern on the side of its body. If you look at the black stripes against it' s white background, you'll see the letters, Y-O-Y-O.
The Yoyo Loach, also known as a Pakistani Loach, or Botia almorhae, is a freshwater fish that I consider the dogs of the fish family. The reason I look at them as dogs, is that sometimes they'll just lie around. They'll prop themselves up on plant leaves to rest, or lounge right on the bottom of the tank. I've been tricked a few times into thinking they were dead; they'll lie so still. You can often catch them on their sides, or facing straightforward. That's what dogs do. They lie around. Other times though, dogs are very active, and run around in packs, or play with each other. Yoyo loaches do the same thing. This is when they're really fun to watch.
Yoyo Loach - photo credit: statico
Yoyo loaches will chase each other around the tank, and prefer to live in groups. A yo-yo Loach will grow to around 3-5 inches (7 - 13 cm) long, so the minimum tank size you want is about 20 gallons. I've got a 40 gallon aquarium, and currently have three yoyo loaches, and two Angelicus Loaches (Botia kubotai).
Don't be mistaken that these are just bottom dwelling fish. They may like to hide, but if you get the right ones, they'll be swimming all over your tank. Loaches prefer many hiding places, lounging on rocks, and exploring driftwood. They also love to dig and look for food.
I feed my Yoyo loaches fish flakes. They also enjoy algae wafers, sinking fish food pellets, and snails.
It's not really easy to determine the sex of this fish. Males will have some redness around their mouths, and females will be a little fatter all around their bodies.
This is an excellent community fish. I love the Yoyo loach, and recommend this fish to anyone keeping a freshwater fish tank.
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