Wrong Loach! Yoyos vs. Polka Dots

**ameliaaahx** · 03-18-2013, 01:48 PM

A few days ago I went into my lfs and picked up 4 yoyo loaches for my 120g sa/ca cichlid tank. Only when I got home I realized that I actually only had 1 yoyo, and 3 polka dot loaches!

I called the lfs and they said they would call me when they had more yoyos in and I could swap the polka dots, but I've started to get attached to the things! I originally picked yoyos because they're a little nastier and a bit bigger so I thought they'd do better with my cichlids, but is there a significant difference? Do they have much different "personalities" or are they just patterened differently? Is one more active or outgoing than the other?

Should I take back the 3 polka dots and get more yoyos like I originally planned, or swap the lone yoyo for another polka dot instead? Whatever one I choose, I will eventually be increasing the group to 6.

**Aeonflame** · 03-18-2013, 04:27 PM

They might stay together in a group but I still suggest choosing one species. I prefer the yoyos personally.

**talldutchie** · 03-18-2013, 06:57 PM

Let's see. Yoyo is Botia almorhae and polka dot is Botia kubotai . According to loaches the yoyo is more peaceful. Care needs are close enough not to matter much. With your severums something with a bit more attitude might be better. Both are a social group animal so see if you got the space to switch to a single species and house a few more.

**steeler1** · 03-18-2013, 07:14 PM

I've kept the Yoyo's but looking at the Polka Dots pattern, I like them more. Research as talldutchie said; has the Polka Dots, a little more docile and staying just a little smaller.

I just like the pattern of the Polka Dots more as they are new to me.

**ameliaaahx** · 03-18-2013, 10:49 PM

Thanks for the input, guys. My gut tells me to stick with Yoyos but it's hard to get attached when he hides all the time (not his fault -- he doesn't have any yoyo buddies to play with) and the Polka Dots and busy bouncing off every surface in the tank.

I think as cute as they are I should probably return them and get Yoyos like I always planned.

A lot of the fishkeepers in my area are VERY substandard and I have this fear that if they take them back, they've got about a 9/10 chance of going to someone who won't take very good care of them, and will also probably buy just one instead of a group like they need.