Skunk Loach

Yasuhikotakia morleti

Skunk Loach is a bottom-dwelling fish. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

Semi-AggressiveBottom dwellerKeep in a loose group of 6+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: ≤ 3.3" (≤ 8.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

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 / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

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

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

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

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

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 ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Amazon Leaffish Monocirrhus polyacanthus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–84°F (23–29°C) Argentine Humphead Gymnogeophagus balzanii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm) 70–77°F (21–25°C) Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 11.9 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Similar care level Same temperament Similar diet Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) American Flagfish Jordanella floridae Similar care level Same temperament Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C)

FAQ

How large does Skunk Loach get?

Skunk Loach reaches ≤ 3.3" (≤ 8.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Skunk Loach need?

Use an aquarium of at least 29 US gal (108 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 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 23 to 28 °C.

Should Skunk Loach be kept alone or in a group?

Skunk Loach: Keep in a loose group of 6+.