Species profile
Yoyo Loach
Botia almorhae
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
350 L minimum aquarium
10–15.5 cm adult size
Bottom
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Large, active botiid loach requiring a group, a five-foot class aquarium, soft substrate, numerous hides and high oxygen. Not a suitable snail-control purchase for a small community tank.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
Up to 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
Moderate
Predation risk
Snails
Bioload factor
2.5
Social but robust and sometimes pushy. Keep at least five so hierarchy is spread through the group and choose tankmates that are not timid bottom-dwellers.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
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
350 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Botia almorhae
Alternative names
Yo-Yo Loach, Pakistani Loach, Almorha Loach
Native range
India and Nepal; populations occur in Himalayan drainage systems.
Natural habitat
Hill streams, mountain rivers and rocky/gravel pools. Provide smooth stones, caves, sand and strong oxygenation without creating an unmanageable torrent.
Diet & feeding
Feed sinking omnivore foods with frozen/live invertebrates and plant matter. Snails are readily eaten but are not a complete diet.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females become fuller-bodied when mature; external sex differences are otherwise limited.
Breeding
Routine home-aquarium breeding is rare; commercial propagation commonly relies on controlled methods.