Yo-Yo Loach

The Yo-Yo Loach, also known as the Pakistani Loach or Reticulated Loach, is a playful and characterful bottom-dwelling fish named for the distinctive Y-O-Y-O pattern along its sides. Native to India and Pakistan, these loaches have a silver body with dark reticulated patterns and charming whisker-like barbels around their mouths. They are known for their comical, active behavior, often swimming in loopy patterns and even "playing dead" by lying on their sides. Yo-Yo Loaches are excellent snail eaters and are useful for controlling pest snail populations. Their engaging personalities and useful cleanup role make them popular additions to community tanks.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Yo-Yo Loaches need plenty of bottom space and hiding spots:

• Minimum 40 gallons (55+ recommended for groups)
• Keep in groups of 3-5 - they are social and playful together
• Soft, sandy substrate (protects sensitive barbels)
• Caves, driftwood, and hiding spots throughout bottom
• Moderate filter flow
• Heater to maintain 75-82°F
• Tight-fitting lid - they can climb and jump!
• Plants around edges with open bottom swimming space

Important: Smooth substrate is critical to protect their barbels. Sharp gravel can cause injury and infection.

Water Quality

• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (2-15 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Maintenance:

• Weekly 25% water changes
• Excellent filtration (they are messy eaters)
• Watch for signs of stress (lying on side is normal, but gasping at surface is not)

Feeding

Yo-Yo Loaches are omnivores that eat from the bottom:

• Sinking pellets or wafers (primary diet)
• Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, Mysis
• Live foods: worms, snails
• Vegetable matter: cucumber, zucchini, spirulina wafers
• Snail control: Excellent at eating small pest snails

Feeding Schedule: Once or twice daily. Ensure food reaches the bottom.

Note: They are enthusiastic eaters and may outcompete slower bottom dwellers.

Behavior & Compatibility

Yo-Yo Loaches are peaceful and entertaining:

• Good Tank Mates:

  • Small to medium tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Lemon)
  • Rasboras
  • Other peaceful bottom dwellers (Corydoras)
  • Peaceful livebearers (Guppies, Platies, Swordtails)
  • Small Gouramis
  • Other peaceful community fish

• Avoid Housing With:

  • Small ornamental snails (will eat them)
  • Large aggressive fish
  • Oscars
  • Aggressive cichlids
  • Fish that compete aggressively for bottom territory

Playful Behavior: They are known for swimming in erratic patterns, clicking sounds, and even “playing dead” by lying on their sides (normal behavior).

Snail Control

Yo-Yo Loaches are famous snail eaters:

• Will eat small pest snails
• Can control bladder snail and ramshorn populations
• Warning: Will also eat desirable small snails and shrimp
• Multiple loaches work as a team to hunt snails

Climbing

Yo-Yo Loaches are skilled climbers:

• Can climb glass, filters, and decorations
• Need tight-fitting lid with no gaps
• Secure filter intakes (they may explore and get stuck)

Health Considerations

Yo-Yo Loaches can be sensitive:

• Ich: Quarantine new fish; scaleless fish are sensitive to medications
• Barbel infection: Usually from rough substrate
• Skinny disease: Internal parasites - quarantine and treat
• Stress: Gasling at surface indicates poor water quality

Prevention: Use soft substrate, quarantine new fish, maintain excellent water quality, and be cautious with medications (they are scaleless).