General information – This magnificent fish is one of the most popular

botia species all over the world.  The Yoyo loach earns its popularity due

to several characteristics; it is known to be a great scavengers, great

snail eater and indefatigable fish.It originated in Pakistan, India and

Bangladesh. The specimens that come from Pakistan are dark in color

while the specimens from India are lighter. The yoyo loach or by its

other common name Pakistan loach has a pair of barbels at the sides

of its mouth helps it to dig tunnels on the substrate. These barbells used

sometimes as a weapon against predators. When juvenile it has a clear

pattern of Y's and O's on its body. Unfortunately as it matures the Y's

and the  O's are vanished.  

Common Name - yoyo loach, Pakistani loach, Almora loach. 

Scientific Name - Botia Almorhae

Photo by: John Gosden

Origin - Pakistan, India and Bangladesh 

Size – Up to 6 inches (about 15 cm) 

First discovered - Gray, 1831 

Nutrition - Omnivore, the yoyo loach will accept virtually any type of food, flakes, pellets, shrimp wafer,

catfish wafers. Like all loaches they have a gluttonous appetite for snails and for live and frozen foods.  

Behavior – Aggressive 

Maintenance and care – The yoyo loach should be kept in a 30 gallon tank and up decorate with hiding

places and plenty of room to play. They are most active at night, and enjoy borrowing into the substrate,

during the day they prefer to rest. It is highly recommended to keep the yoyo loach in schools of 4 and up.

They can be kept with semi aggressive cichlids and with other peaceful fish.  

Water Parameters – Temperature: 23C - 28C (73.4F - 82.4F), PH: 5.5- 8, dGH: 4 - 12 

Breeding – Not yet breed in aquariums