What size tank do yoyo loaches need?
At least 40 gallons (150 liters) for a group of 5. For a comfortable stocking level we suggest the 55 gallon tank or bigger. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Botia almorhae.
How many yoyo loaches in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if yoyo loaches are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many yoyo loaches |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | Too small |
| 40 gallon breeder | Too small |
| 55 gallon | 5 |
| 75 gallon | up to 6 |
| 125 gallon | up to 11 |
Check yoyo loaches against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 5. Alone or in twos and threes, yoyo loaches hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for yoyo loaches
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Congo tetra
- Swordtail
- Pearl gourami
- Glass catfish
- Dwarf neon rainbowfish
- Boeseman's rainbowfish
- Rummy-nose tetra
- Lemon tetra
Poor matches
- Neon tetra: Yoyo loach (about 6 in) can eat neon tetra (about 1.4 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and much bigger. Yoyo loach would be bullied.
- Molly: They need different water: Yoyo loach likes a pH of 6.5–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do yoyo loaches need?
At least 40 gallons (150 liters) for a group of 5. For a comfortable stocking level we suggest the 55 gallon tank or bigger. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many yoyo loaches should be kept together?
At least 5. Yoyo loaches are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can yoyo loaches live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Yoyo loach needs at least 40 gallons (150 liters), and grows to 6 in (14 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.
What temperature do yoyo loaches need?
73–82 °F (23–28 °C), with a pH of 6.5–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can yoyo loaches live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 40 gallons (150 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.