Skunk Loach

Yasuhikotakia morleti

Skunk Loach is a bottom-dwelling fish. Keep in a school of 5+.

Semi-AggressiveBottom dwellerKeep in a school of 5+Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 79–86°F (26–30°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 26–30 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Skunk Loach needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Keep in a school of 5+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 5+.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Skunk Loach should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Keep in a school of 5+.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Laos, Cambodia, Thailand.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Botia Yasuhikotakia modesta Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 7.1" (≤ 18 cm) 72–86°F (22–30°C) Bengal Loach Botia dario Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Blue Dolphin Cichlid Cyrtocara moorii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 12 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Skunk Loach get?

Skunk Loach reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

Is Skunk Loach peaceful?

Skunk Loach needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Skunk Loach?

Keep it between 26 to 30 °C.

Should Skunk Loach be kept alone or in a group?

Skunk Loach: Keep in a school of 5+.