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

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Need help with Skunk Loach?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length
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.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

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

Plan for an aquarium of 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.
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) Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°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) Bengal Loach Botia dario Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Amazon Leaffish Monocirrhus polyacanthus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–77°F (22–25°C) Blue Dolphin Cichlid Cyrtocara moorii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Skunk Loach get?

Skunk Loach reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

What aquarium size does Skunk Loach need?

Use an aquarium of at least 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 39.4" (≥ 100 cm) minimum length.

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+.