Yoyo loach

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Species related to the B. almorhae complex (often sold interchangeably under the same name in stores). Comes from Indian and Pakistani rivers, inhabiting clear rivers with moderate currents, gravel and natural shelters among rocks or roots.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Reticulate Loach (Botia lohachata). Considered for years a synonym of B. almorhae, the true lohachata has a less stocky profile, a more pointed mouth and a different reticulated pattern. It also remains slightly smaller.

Social Behavior: Very lively, gregarious and extremely playful (sometimes annoyingly so for other fish). Must be kept in tight groups to dispose of its intra-species hyperactivity. If solitary, it will become fearful, sick or aggressive.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Pale golden coat covered by a sharp black or burnt brown "Y" and "O" net which, unlike almorhae, tends to remain sharper and more defined even in adulthood. Females are significantly clumsier and more pot-bellied than males.

Aquarium Setup: 100-120 cm (40-48 inches) tank. Needs lots of hiding places (coconuts, half terracotta pots, hollow roots). Fine sand is essential. It is known for sneaking into internal filters or squeezing under stones, so every decor must be very stable.

Diet and Feeding: Scourge of pest snails. Once the snails are exterminated, it should be fed with red mosquito larvae, bloodworms, tubifex and protein sinking tablets. They eat noisily (emitting audible clicking sounds).

Water Quality: Being a scaleless Botia, it does not tolerate any kind of negligence or poor biological filtration. Requires oxygenated water (with the use of airstones in summer) and regular water changes without major thermal alterations.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Unsuitable for Discus or Angelfish (due to its neurotic swimming), it is the ideal cleaner for Asian tanks containing large schooling fish such as Puntius tetrazona (Tiger Barb) or Danio rerio, with which it will share the swimming zones.

Aquarium Reproduction: Does not occur spontaneously in the aquarium. It is a seasonal spawner that needs the monsoon variations of Asian rivers.

Risks and Diseases: High probability of wounds (belly abrasions, barbel lesions) caused by sharp ceramic quartz or sharp-edged sand. Ich (white spots) is a constant presence if the animal is stressed or poorly fed.