Botia almorhae

The Yo-Yo Loach gets its fun name from the patterns on its body, which can look like the letters 'Y' and 'O', especially when they are young. These markings make each fish unique! They are incredibly active and playful fish, always exploring the bottom and middle levels of their tank. Yo-Yos are very social and must be kept in a group of at least five. Living alone makes them stressed and shy, but in a group, you'll see their true, curious personalities shine. They often chase each other playfully and establish a social order. For their home, they appreciate a soft, sandy bottom where they can dig for bits of food without hurting their sensitive whiskers, called barbels. Providing plenty of hiding spots like caves, smooth rocks, and driftwood is essential for them to feel secure. They are not picky eaters and will happily munch on a variety of foods that sink to the bottom, including pellets and wafers. A fun fact is that they love to eat small pest snails, making them a helpful cleanup crew for your aquarium. While generally peaceful, their high energy means they are best kept with other robust and fast-moving fish. Their amusing antics, like resting in strange positions and doing a 'loach dance,' make them a fascinating and rewarding fish for any aquarist.