Species profile
Skunk Loach
Yasuhikotakia morleti
Aggressive
Hard care
240 L minimum aquarium
8–10 cm adult size
Bottom
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Not a normal peaceful community loach. Tank volume and aggression guidance increased substantially from the legacy profile.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–30 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
3–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Snails
Bioload factor
2
Highly social but often aggressive. Keep five or more in a large structured aquarium; avoid slow, long-finned or timid tankmates.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
240 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 45 cm
Accepted scientific name
Yasuhikotakia morleti
Native range
Mainland South-East Asia, particularly Mekong/Chao Phraya-associated drainages.
Natural habitat
Fast, clean, well-oxygenated water with sand, rocks, wood and numerous tight retreats. Maintain strong filtration.
Diet & feeding
Sinking foods, frozen/live invertebrates and snails; include some plant matter.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Reliable external sexing is difficult; mature females may be fuller-bodied.
Breeding
No routine home-aquarium breeding method is established; commercial production commonly relies on specialist techniques.