Yoyo Loach

Botia almorhae

Also sold as Yo-yo loach

Synonyms Lohachata botia · Pakistani loach · Botia lohachata · Almora loach · Reticulated loach

Yoyo Loach (Botia almorhae) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 16 cm (6.3 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 66–82°F (19–27.5°C) and pH 6–7.5, is kept in groups of 5 or more, and needs a tank of at least 243 L (64 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	16 cm (6.3 in)
Minimum tank	243 L (64 gal)
Group size	5 or more
Temperature	66–82°F (19–27.5°C)
pH	6–7.5
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
Lifespan	5–8 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Yoyo Loach needs at least 243 L (64 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 120P.
Keep 5 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
It holds at 66–82°F (19–27.5°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
Do not put it with Bladder Snail, Cherry Shrimp and Crystal Red Shrimp.
It can go wrong with Amano Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp and Mystery Snail — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
It eats soft-leaved plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.

What tank size does it need?

At least 243 L (64 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 120P.

How many should I keep?

5 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

66–82°F (19–27.5°C), pH 6–7.5.

How long does it live?

5–8 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Can it go in a new tank?

No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.

Often compared with

	Yoyo Loach	Zebra Loach	Kuhli Loach
Adult size	16 cm	9 cm	10 cm
Min tank	243 L	108 L	60 L
Group	5+	5+	5+
Temperature	66–82°F (19–27.5°C)	70–79°F (21–26°C)	75–82°F (24–28°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	Shrimplets only

More livestock

Plan a tank with Yoyo Loach →

Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026