Yasuhikotakia morleti

Common Names:

Cream Loach
Horae's Loach
Mouse Loach
Skunk Botia
Skunk Loach

Synonyms:

Botia horae

Family:

Cobitidae

Category:

Catfish_Bottom_Feeders

Distribution:

Asia; Mekong, Thailand, and introduced to the Phillippines.

Main Ecosystem:

River; River

Temperament:

Peaceful; This peaceful loach has been reported from a very limited number of sources as being semi-agressive in the form of nipping long or flowing fins. This behavior has not been noticed by the majority of loach keepers. Otherwise expect an active though somewhat shy around humans loach. Skunk loaches appreciate tank companions of their own species and will school with other skunk loaches and sometimes other fish in the tank as well.

Diet:

Ominvore; Ominvore

Care:

Try to make at least one nightly feeding with loaches to be sure they get their fair share of the food in a community tank. For a loach dedicated tank these loaches will eat during the daytime. A varied diet is important and most prepared foods are accepted including but not limited to: Snails, sinking shrimp pellets, sinking algae and carnivore wafers, worms, and sometimes even the plants in your tank. While not as notorious of plant shredders as some loaches they might take a nibble or two. A tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended for these fish.

pH:

6.4 - 7.8

Temperature:

24°C - 29°C

75°F - 84°F

Hardness:

5 dH - 12 dH

Potential Size:

Male: 10cm (3.9")
Female: 10cm (3.9")

Water Region:

Bottom; Bottom

Activity:

Diurnal; Diurnal

Gender:

Males are more torpedo shaped while mature females tend to have a more full appearence. Females will go through the cycles of holding eggs allowing you furthur certainty while sexing them.

Breeding:

Not accomplished in captivity.

Variants:

Comments:

A great addition to most active community tanks. Like most loaches this loach does not have scales and should be medicated at half-doses.

Main Colours:

White, Brown, Black

Markings:

Not Specified

Mouth:

Downturned

Tail: