Description
The yoyo loach, Almora loach or Pakistani loach is a freshwater fish belonging to the loach family Botiidae. It originates in the slow-running and still waters of the Ganges basin in northern India and possibly Nepal. Despite the alternative common name Pakistani loach, the true B. almorhae is not actually native to Pakistan.
The Yoyo loach is so named for its dark and pale patterns, which often can be seen to spell "yoyo" (especially in smaller/younger specimens) The other common name, Almora loach, refers to Almora in Uttarakhand, India. House in an aquarium with plenty of hiding spaces and plants to explore.
These inquisitive fish generally keep to themselves, which is why YoYo loaches do so well with other fish. This does not mean that they are shy, they will interact with other fish and will stand up for themselves if needed.
They are known to be semi-aggressive to members of their own species but this doesn’t mean they cannot be kept together. Like with other species that show dominance, having a group of 5 or 6 will lessen any potential for damage.
Do Loaches sleep?
Some loaches exhibit the amusing trait of lolling, or resting, on leaves of other surfaces which give the appearance of sleeping. This can be worrying to new fishkeepers, who may mistake the loach for being unwell, but it is perfectly normal behaviour.
Do YoYo Pakistani Loaches eat snails?
Yes, YoYo loaches will eat snails, including pest snails. They will also eat small shrimp, so please do not house with invertebrates.
Are Pakistani YoYo loach aggressive?
YoYo loaches are not generally aggressive towards other species, but may fight amongst themselves. Keeping a group of 5 or more will generally lower the potential for harm.
Features
Approx. supplied size: 2-3" / 5-8cm
Maximum size: 6" / 15cm
Origin: India
Family: Botiidae
Temperament: semi-aggressive to own species
Lighting requirement: low
Ideal number kept together: 5+
Water Conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 25 °C
Ideal pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 3-10KH
Water flow: moderate to fast
Temperature: 23–30 °C
Ease of Care
Moderate. YoYo loach have barbels, so take care if handling with a fish net, as they may get tangled. Loaches are small-scaled and soft skinned, so are quite prone to white spot and more sensitive to chemical treatments - ensure you read the instructions as treatments will often recommend a lower dosage.
Compatibility
House with non-aggressive, peaceful tankmates. To avoid aggression, keep solitary or in a group of 5 or more.
Feeding
Omnivorous, will feed on a mixture of algae wafer and greens, to meatier food such as frozen shrimp and bloodworm.
Breeding
Difficult. YoYo loach species do not breed readily in home aquaria. Males tend to be slimmer in the body than females.
Life Span
They can live 5-8 years in perfect conditions.
Photo is for illustration only - one supplied.
For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.
Shipping Cut Off Times
- In stock orders placed before on working weekdays before 2pm will be despatched on the same working weekday.
- In stock orders placed on a Saturday before 10am will be despatched on that Saturday.
- Orders that include pre-order items will be shipped together in total once the pre-order items arrive back in stock using the delivery service chosen at checkout.
None of these cut-offs apply to palletised items, pond plants or fibreglass ponds.
SERVICE | SPEND | COST |
Packet/Courier items | ||
Royal Mail (2-3 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £2.99 |
Royal Mail Next Day (1-2 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £4.99 |
DPD Local Next Day (1 day) | £0.00-£49.99 | £7.99 |
DPD Local Saturday | £0.00-£49.99 | £14.99 |
DPD Local Sunday | £0.00-£49.99 | £14.99 |
DPD Local Next Day (1 day) | £50 and up | FREE |
DPD Local Saturday | £50 and up | £9.99 |
DPD Local Sunday | £50 and up | £9.99 |
Pallets (booked in) | aquariums / bulky items | |
Pallets Standard (3-5 days) | - | FREE |
Pallets Express (1-2 days) | - | £39.99 |
*EXCLUDED ITEMS | extra delivery fees apply | |
Fibreglass Ponds (booked in) | ||
Zone 1 (7-10 days) | - | £79.99 |
Zone 2 (7-14 days) | - | £149.99 |
Zone 3 (7-21 days) | - | £249.99 |
Pond Plants (direct from grower) |
||
All pond plants (3-10 days) | one-off fee regardless of order size/value | £5.99 |
Further delivery information
All delivery services are working day services and do not include delivery on Saturdays and Sundays or public holidays as standard.
Deliveries are usually Monday to Friday only, although some Royal Mail items may be delivered on weekends as standard if the service is available in your area.
Orders over £50 that are under 2kg may be sent by a Royal Mail Tracked 24 service rather than via DPD Local (depending on parcel size).
Orders over £50 delivering to non UK mainland locations may be despatched via a Royal Mail (2-3 days) service rather than an express shipping option.
Please see our full delivery information page and terms and conditions for detailed information on shipping policies and zones