Skunk Loach Botia Yasuhikotakia Morleti 4cm

Overview

The Skunk Loach is a compact, pale-bodied botiid loach with a single dark stripe running along its back and a black bar at the base of the tail. It is bold, fast and inquisitive, and clicks audibly at feeding time. From the Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers, it suits experienced keepers with robust, active communities.

• Adult Size: Around 8–10 cm (3–4 in)
• Lifespan: 8–10 years with good care

Origin

• Native to: Mekong, Chao Phraya and Mae Klong drainages, Southeast Asia
• Habitat: Rivers and floodplains among rocks and submerged wood

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous, leaning carnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Sinking pellets, bloodworm, tubifex, brine shrimp, snails, cucumber
• Feeding Habits: Once or twice daily; bold feeder; controls snails

Tank Mates

• Best with: Groups of 6 or more; fast danios, rasboras, barbs, other botiid loaches
• Avoid: Slow, long-finned fish; corydoras; shrimp; small or timid species

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; nips fins and harasses
• Territoriality: Strong pecking order; worst when kept singly or in pairs

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Challenges: Aggression, needs a large group, jumps, medication sensitive

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard, neutral
• Temperature: 23–28°C (73–82°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 2–12 dGH
• Flow: Moderate; well oxygenated
• Tank Size: Minimum 120 litres for a group of six; 120 cm long

Final Notes

This is the feistiest of the commonly sold loaches: keep at least six so aggression spreads across the group, and give them caves, wood and dim light. Fit a tight lid because they jump. Skunk loaches have small scales and react badly to copper and full-dose medicines. Juveniles show faint vertical bars that fade with age. Females are fuller-bodied; they are not bred in the hobby. In the right tank they are endlessly entertaining.