YO-YO LOACH

The Yoyo Loach (Botia lohachata), also known as the Lohachata Loach, is a lively and attractive freshwater fish native to South Asia. Known for its unique markings and playful behavior, the Yoyo Loach is a popular choice for community aquariums. Here’s a comprehensive guide to caring for Yoyo Loaches:

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended for a small group of Yoyo Loaches. Larger tanks (50 gallons or more) are preferable to provide ample swimming space and to help maintain stable water conditions.
• Aquascape: Yoyo Loaches appreciate a well-structured tank with plenty of hiding spots and places to explore. Use rocks, driftwood, and PVC pipes to create hiding places. A tank with a mix of open swimming areas and shaded spots is ideal.
• Substrate: Use a soft, smooth substrate like sand or fine gravel. Avoid sharp or rough substrates that could injure their sensitive undersides.
• Plants: Include hardy, low-light plants such as Java fern, Anubias, or Cryptocoryne. These plants can provide additional hiding spots and grazing surfaces.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Maintain a water temperature between 75-85°F (24-29°C). Use a reliable heater to keep the temperature stable.
• pH: Yoyo Loaches prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Consistent pH levels are important for their health.
• Hardness: They thrive in soft to moderately hard water with a general hardness (GH) of 5-12 dGH. Ensure the water hardness is stable to prevent stress.
• Water Quality: High water quality is crucial. Perform regular water changes of 20-30% weekly to maintain optimal conditions. Use a good filtration system to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated.

Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: Use a filter suitable for the size of your tank, such as a canister filter or a hang-on-back filter. Efficient filtration is important to handle the bioload of multiple loaches.
• Water Flow: Yoyo Loaches prefer moderate water flow. Ensure the filtration system provides good water movement without creating overly strong currents that can stress the fish.

Feeding

• Diet: Yoyo Loaches are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. Provide high-quality pellets, live or frozen foods (such as bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp), and occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2-3 times a day. Offer small amounts of food that the loaches can consume within a few minutes to avoid overfeeding and maintain water quality.