Species profile
Panda Loach
Yaoshania pachychilus
Peaceful
Hard care
90 L minimum aquarium
5–6 cm adult size
Bottom
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
The old 23–28°C placeholder was too warm. This species needs a mature cool hillstream setup and can struggle badly in hot UK summer aquaria without temperature control.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
18–24 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH
3–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
High
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Low–moderate
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
0.8
Peaceful hillstream loach that should be kept in a small group. Requires mature grazing surfaces, very high oxygenation and strong flow.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
5–8 years
Diet type
Herbivore
Minimum aquarium volume
90 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Yaoshania pachychilus
Alternative names
Panda Loach, Protomyzon pachychilus
Native range
Fast tributary brooks of the Xijiang/West River system, Guangxi, China.
Natural habitat
Shallow cool hill streams over boulders and cobbles with strong current, intense oxygenation and sunlit algal/biofilm growth.
Diet & feeding
Aufwuchs and biofilm grazer taking algae and associated microorganisms. Maintain mature rock surfaces and supplement algae-rich foods and fine invertebrate foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Adult sexual differences are subtle and not reliably useful for casual sexing.
Breeding
Captive breeding remains difficult and poorly documented; specialist cool-flow conditions and mature biofilm systems are required.