Skunk Botia Loach

Skunk Loach

Skunk Loach, Yasuhikotakia morleti, also known as the Skunk Botia, is commonly distributed through Asia around Cambodia, Laos, Thailand. Although known as an aggressive loach, the Skunk Botia tends to be aggressive towards other bottom feeders, or species that seek to occupy its territory, rather than mid to top level swimmers like most community tropical fish. Care must be taken to minimise aggression, which can be achieved by keeping them in groups of 5 or more. Skunk Botia will thrive in soft and slightly acidic water.

Skunk Loaches may be relatively small, but they are very feisty, so choose tankmates carefully. It is recommended that skunk loach are kept in groups of 5 or more of their own kind in a spacious aquarium in order for them to establish their territories. Their fish tank habitat should have a softer substrate, like sand or fine gravel, to protect their sensory barbels. Construct an environment with plenty of hiding spaces, such as driftwood, rocks or bark, to ensure they can establish suitable territory. Skunk loaches will often burrow in the sand underneath rocks and bogwood.

Are Skunk Botia loaches aggressive?
Skunk loaches are territorial and can be aggressive towards other bottom feeders and low-level swimmers. Housing them in groups will lower aggression. It is not recommended that Skunk Loach are housed with other botia species (loaches) or bottom feeders such as corydoras or plecos, but they can be housed with larger community fish that are unlikely to threaten their territory. Do not house with long-finned species, or slow-swimmers. Care must be taken when choosing tankmates for Skunk Loach - do your research beforehand.

Will Skunk Botia Loach eat snails?
Yes the Skunk Botia loach will eat snails, and also other crustaceans. Take care not to house Skunk Loach with ornamental snails or shrimp, such as cherry shrimp. They will attack and eat snails of any size, including apple snails (large) and pest snails (small).

Features
Approx. supplied size: 1-2" / 2-5cm
Maximum size: 4" / 10cm
Origin: Asia
Ideal number kept together: 5+
Temperament: Territorial, aggressive, feisty

Water conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5 temp 24°C
Ideal pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 5-12 dGH
Ideal temperature: 24–30°C
Lighting: moderate, blue light recommended
Water flow: high, well oxygenated

Ease of Care
Moderate. Skunk loach should be considered aggressive and housed accordingly. A soft substrate and lower pH is essential.

Diet
Omnivore. Skunk loaches are happy with catfish pellets, flake and granules, and will eat meatier live and frozen food occasionally to supplement. They will eat snails and other crustaceans, including shrimp.

Compatibility
Skunk botia are territorial and aggressive, and not commonly considered an ideal species for a community fish tank. Do not house with other species of bottom feeders or slow-swimming, long-finned fish. Barbs and Danios make ideal tankmates for Skunk Loach.

Breeding
Not commonly bred in captivity. Females tend to have a rounder body than males.

Life Span
Skunk Botia Loach can live 10-12 years in perfect conditions.

Please note we cannot hand-pick male or female unless specified in the listing. Photograph is for illustrative purposes intended as a guide to the species you will receive. Shades and patterns may vary.

For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.