Pakistani Loach

[Pysgodyn]

Sorry guys, but does anyone know if there is any pinned information on the Pakistani Loach? I can't seem to find any (possibly also known as something else?)

Thanks

 

[onebto]

Sorry guys, but does anyone know if there is any pinned information on the Pakistani Loach? I can't seem to find any (possibly also known as something else?)

Thanks

I am not sure there is,

Also known as:

Scientific name: Botia almorhae
Other names I am aware there called: Yoyo Loach, Almorha Loach, Pakistani Loach, Reticulated loach, Synonyms: Botia lohachatahowever

This is a reasonable synopsis of them: http/www.loaches.c.../botia-almorhae

Regards onebto.

 

[Pysgodyn]

Many thanks for that. I have found my new favourite fish!

Anyways...I am aware of the size they can grow up to, and the last thing I'd want to do is to overstock, especially with unsuitable fish. However, I'm also aware of the fact that they aren't solitary fish. So, how many Pakistani loaches would you guys put into a 125 litre tank (31 inch long)?

In my book it states -

• Length = 4.7 inch
• Tank Length = 24 inch

...but I've never really been able to understand how they can state a measurement for the minimum tank length without specifying the number of fish...or is that irrelevant??

 

[onebto]

Many thanks for that. I have found my new favourite fish!

Anyways...I am aware of the size they can grow up to, and the last thing I'd want to do is to overstock, especially with unsuitable fish. However, I'm also aware of the fact that they aren't solitary fish. So, how many Pakistani loaches would you guys put into a 125 litre tank (31 inch long)?

In my book it states -

• Length = 4.7 inch
• Tank Length = 24 inch

...but I've never really been able to understand how they can state a measurement for the minimum tank length without specifying the number of fish...or is that irrelevant??

My research tells me YoYo's can get to a maximum Adult size of 6 inches.

Your going to need at least 6 of them.

BUT a 2 foot tank is not really big enough for 6 loaches of that size even with considerable filtration if you read a little about them you will be made aware they need length of tank with a decent foot print.

Regards onebto.

 

[fluvial]

I've got just 3 of them in my 180 litre tank - alot of sites suggest keeping a
minimum of 6 - but I've found that generally 2 of them go round together, and the third
does his own thing.
They completely ignore any other fish in the tank - totally wrapped up in their own world.
Great looking fish and mine have changed their markings in the 3 months that I've had them.

 

[Pysgodyn]

I don't doubt your advice/info and am very grateful for it, and I don't intend going against it, but no-one has explained why 3/6 is the minimum number. I understand it when it comes to guppies (male:female ratio, in order to prevent constant raping of the same female)...but if all yoyo loaches need is company of their own kind, why 6? Why not 4 or 5?
Like I said, I'm not being facetious, I just want to learn!

 

[VickiandKev]

I have 5 of these (for sale actually lol!) and they do well as a group of 5 - they do get boisterous as they grow, and I would suggest you need at least a 4ft tank really for a group of 5 or 6 as they do charge about a lot. When I have seen them in smaller tanks they just swim up and down the glass for hours rather than acting more naturally.

I'm not quite sure why the recommended group size is 6 - I didn't know this and bought 5 and they do seem to do fine together.
I think 2 of mine are females as they're gravid, and perhaps 2/3 are male (1 is still a little small to tell though).

They are also very fast growing, so I don't think they're one of those fish, like clown loaches, that you can buy when you have a small tank with a promise to upgrade in 6 months or so, you would have to upgrade within 2 months, even if you bought loaches at 1" in size.

They are lovely looking fish and their markings gradually go reticulated when they get older which is really attractive, and they have big characters too.

 

[Lestat999]

I believe six is the recommended figure as you get to see their more natural behaviours when in groups, three can exist quite ok without much stress.

I have to say though that your tank is not going to be big enough for even three as they easily get to 6", a few years back I had a pair that were 8" and very fat too.

Vickiandkev, how much are you asking for your 5?

 

[VickiandKev]

I believe six is the recommended figure as you get to see their more natural behaviours when in groups, three can exist quite ok without much stress.

I have to say though that your tank is not going to be big enough for even three as they easily get to 6", a few years back I had a pair that were 8" and very fat too.

Vickiandkev, how much are you asking for your 5?

Hi Lestat - there's a post in Livestock Classifieds for them - I'm asking for sensible offers really. Like the striata you had off us we have two yoyo loaches with the similar 'rotund' shape and although none of mine are quite full size - they're all good sizes. The smallest was one which I bought and was so emaciated he was floating on his side and was paper thin (if he turned towards you, you could barely see him and he was only 1" long), and he's quite special because he fought on and now he's a chunky little 2" fish that holds his own. I'm soppy about my fish, I know lol!

Am travelling to Basingstoke tomorrow evening (setting out around 3pm though) so let me know if you're interested and I can bring them down - if you don't still have my number it's 07725688633