Skunk Loach care guide
Skunk Loach (Yasuhikotakia morleti) — minimum tank 100 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 6-7.5.
Overview
The Skunk Loach (Yasuhikotakia morleti) is a small botiid from south-east Asian rivers, named for the dark dorsal stripe that runs from snout to caudal peduncle. It is one of the more boldly territorial small botiids.
Taxonomy
- Family: Botiidae
- Genus: Yasuhikotakia
- Scientific name: Yasuhikotakia morleti
- Common synonyms: Skunk Botia, Hora's Loach, Cream Loach
Habitat
Native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, in moderately flowing streams with sandy substrates and submerged wood.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (26.4 US gal)
- Adult size: 7-10 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- School size: ≥4 individuals
Diet
An omnivore. Offer sinking pellets, granules, live or frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia) and occasional snails.
Compatibility
A semi-aggressive social loach. Keep groups of at least four to disperse aggression. Avoid mixing with long-finned or slow species; pair instead with robust active cyprinids and other botiids of similar size.
Breeding
Captive breeding is uncommon and primarily commercial via hormonal induction.