Yo Yo Loach Numbers

[Luketendo]

What numbers do Yo Yo Loaches like to be in?

 

[mikev]

Ideally, 5+. Some people had 3-4 forming a stable group, but this does not always happen; small groups often lead to excessive fighting.

 

[Luketendo]

Hmm ok I'll see what my stocking allows.

 

[mikev]

Since in good conditions they grow very fast to about 3"-4", you basically need a 55g. (Mine are kept in 125g).

hth

 

[Luketendo]

Well I kind of have a problem I have 1 Yo Yo and he's in a 34g and I can't get a bigger tank.

Should I get some smaller loaches like zebras or chains or polka dots? I'm not even sure if I would be able to find Yo Yo's around here anymore, I heard some loach species do shoal with each other.

 

[mikev]

I think 34g is pushing it...but it also depends on the dimensions of the tank: a long shallow tank would be better than a high on and may be good enough.

It should be possible to find yoyo's, they are not exactly rare. But yes, the other three species are all smaller, slower growing, and more suitable for the tank.

(I keep Kubs and Striata's.. Both are nice but I find Kubs more entertaining.)

 

[Luketendo]

Well this is a Juwel Lido so it's 2 foot.

The question is, should I get more Yo Yo's, or get a different breed?

I do like Polka Dot Loaches I saw some the other day, very nice.

 

[mikev]

Only 2"? This is way too small for the yoyo's, and probably not good enough for the Kubs either; for loaches the footprint of the tank matters perhaps more than the volume.

A really small loach, perhaps Rosy (Tuberoschistura arakanensis) would like it.

 

[Luketendo]

Is it worth getting chain loaches or will they not benefit the yo yo?

 

[mikev]

I doubt they benefit the yoyo in any way.

Your yoyo needs more of his own kind. And I think your tank is small (short) for one yoyo. Any chance you could get a standard 55g?

 

[Luketendo]

I doubt they benefit the yoyo in any way.

Your yoyo needs more of his own kind. And I think your tank is small (short) for one yoyo. Any chance you could get a standard 55g?

Nope getting the Lido was pushing the limits, my parents don't have the space for me to buy more tanks.

Shall I just leave him/her then?

 

[mikev]

Really sorry to say this, but I don't think a yoyo can be kept in a 2'-long tank or should be kept alone.

Mine grew up (from 1") in a 29g, which is 2.5', and I saw them getting uncomfortable once they got to about 3"...this is when I moved them to a 6' tank; the ability to run the entire length of the tank made them much happier. I'm not saying that yoyo's really need 6'...but 4' they do, and anything less than 3' will not work once they grow. And they grow pretty fast, so if you don't see a proper tank on the horizon, you cannot accommodate them.

If you like loaches, switch to a smaller species.