Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Yoyo Loach
Botia almorhae Gray, 1832
Also called Yo-yo loach, Almora loach, Almorha loach, Pakistani loach (trade name; the loach of Pakistan is a different species, Botia birdi)
From Northern India in the Ganges basin (including the Kosi, Yamuna, Alaknanda and Chambal rivers), probably also Nepal. The type locality is Almora district in Uttarakhand.123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Elongated, slightly compressed botiid loach
A medium-sized loach with a pointed snout, downturned mouth and barbels, and the typical small spine under each eye. Mature females have a fuller body than males.1
Personality what they are like
Busy, curious and sociable. Yoyo loaches click, chase and follow one another, with younger fish often 'shadowing' larger ones. They are generally not aggressive, but are too boisterous for slow, long-finned fish.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active by day and night once settled, exploring every corner of the tank and joining in group bursts of movement often called the 'loachy dance'.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Fit a tight lid, as these loaches can jump. Use soft sand or smooth gravel and plenty of caves and hiding places, and keep water clean, well oxygenated and stable with strong filtration.1
Home where they are happiest
A base of at least 120 x 45 cm. Temperature about 19 to 27.5 °C, pH 6.0 to 7.5, hardness 2 to 12 dGH. In nature they live in rocky, gravelly pools of hill streams, so moving, oxygen-rich water and stones or wood suit them.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mostly carnivorous. Feed good sinking dried foods plus frozen or live bloodworm and brine shrimp, with some vegetables like cucumber or blanched spinach. They will also eat small snails.13
Company who they like around
Keep in a group of at least 5 or 6, ideally 10 or more, so social behaviour stays relaxed. Good tankmates include peaceful active cyprinids and most other bottom-dwelling loaches.1
The story where it all began
The species was described by the zoologist Gray in 1832, and its type locality lies in the Almora district of the Himalayan foothills. It entered the aquarium hobby much later, where the catchy common name 'yoyo loach' was coined by Ken Childs while working at a Los Angeles fish importer.134
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The name 'yoyo' comes from young fish whose dark markings seem to spell out the letters Y and O along their sides.3
- 2
The common name is credited to Ken Childs, who came up with it while working at Dolphin International, a fish importer in Los Angeles.4
- 3
In the wild, young fish live in the lower reaches of rivers while adults move upstream into Himalayan hill streams.2
- 4
Despite the trade name 'Pakistani loach', the true species is not known from Pakistan.3
- 5
Like other botiid loaches it makes audible clicking sounds.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed May 2010)2
- Taxonomy
- Family Botiidae. Described by Gray in 1832. Many fish sold under this name are probably close relatives such as Botia lohachata or undescribed forms called 'Kosi' and 'Teesta'.1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Yoyo Loach. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Yoyo Loach?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding daily, and they will eat sinking dried foods plus frozen or live treats like bloodworm.1 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Yoyo Loach eat, and what should it never eat?
They are mostly carnivorous and enjoy sinking dried foods, frozen or live bloodworm, brine shrimp, and vegetables like cucumber or spinach. They also eat small snails. Avoid any foods not listed here, and always check with a vet or good breeder for specific concerns.13
How much space does a Yoyo Loach need?
A tank base of at least 120 x 45 cm is recommended. They are active fish that explore every corner, so a spacious tank with soft sand or smooth gravel and plenty of caves is ideal.1
What temperature, light or water does a Yoyo Loach need?
Keep water temperature between 19 and 27.5 °C, pH 6.0 to 7.5, and hardness 2 to 12 dGH. They need moving, oxygen-rich water with strong filtration, and a tight lid as they can jump.12
How often should I clean a Yoyo Loach's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change and glass cleaning, plus a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Always test water weekly to keep it stable. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Yoyo Loach live with others?
Yes, they are sociable and should be kept in a group of at least 5 or 6, ideally 10 or more. Good tankmates include peaceful active cyprinids and other bottom-dwelling loaches, but avoid slow, long-finned fish.1
How long does a Yoyo Loach live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, consult a vet or a good breeder who knows the fish's history.
Can I handle a Yoyo Loach?
It is best not to handle them, as they have a small spine under each eye and can be stressed by handling. They are active and curious, so enjoy watching them explore instead.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Seriously Fish: Botia almorhae seriouslyfish.comused for origin, size, tank and water, diet, behaviour, colour change, taxonomy notes
- FishBase: Botia almorhae summary fishbase.seused for distribution, length, habitat, migration, IUCN status
- Wikipedia: Botia almorhae en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, name origin, Pakistan note, author
- Loaches Online: Botia almorhae loaches.comused for origin of the common name, pattern change
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.