Normal Yoyo Loach Behavior?

**ameliaaahx** · 05-26-2012, 04:12 AM

I recently got a group of 4 Yoyo loaches, Botia lohachata, for my 70g tank. They seem to have settled in okay, they're usually either nowhere to be seen or zipping up and down the sides of the tank.

One of the Loaches seems to have become dominant over the others. He would guard the sinking pellets when I put them in and chase the others away, then gorge himself til he had a swollen belly and lie there, half on his side. I thought he'd eaten himself to death! He is nowhere near as active as they others, he just seems to like to sit there and wait for the food to be dropped. Is this normal or unhealthy behavior? I now break the pellets up and spread them over the tank but he still manages to eat 3 times more than any of the others!

Also all of the loaches have a tendancy to lie on their sides, sending me into immediate panic mode that they're dead! Is this normal loach behavior? I have Kuhlis in my other tank and I know that they are often very quirky and odd wee creatures, quite different than most other fish.

Thanks for your help!

**ScottishFish** · 05-26-2012, 08:13 AM

I have like 4+ books on fish species, all of them mention how clown loaches like to lie on their side. I guess yours will probably be similar

as to feeding I'm not gona comment as I haven't had that species before

**~Col~** · 05-26-2012, 08:25 AM

Sounds like normal to me! The first time I saw one of my clowns lying on it's side I panicked!! The discovered it's normal.

As for your Yoyo's. Keep an eye on aggression. I had a school of them at one stage and the one dominant one ended up killing the others off one by one. Not normal behaviour from what I can tell but I just thought I'd tell you...just in case!!

My remaining yoyo rushes out to get food, scoffs it down and then retreats back into his cave and stays there for the most part. Every now and then he darts around the tank and goes back to his cave.

I love watching my loaches. They are quite fascinating. :)

Good luck with your tank!

**Cermet** · 05-26-2012, 10:44 AM

I've had them - yes, a bit aggressive towards each other over food but mine had areas and got along great. As long as there is room and hidding places, they do very well in groups. Feed in different locations when adding food. They really are hogs for food so no other bottom fish should be added that eats similar food. The tank appears perfect for them - maybe some wood or rocks for them to hide behind would help - each will need places

**smaug** · 05-26-2012, 02:39 PM

Yes they eat like hogs and like to lay on there sides. If you have the room get another 3 or 4. They are very entertaining in larger groups and aggression toward each other will be diminished.

**PhillipOrigami** · 05-27-2012, 04:03 AM

+1 to the above- it seems always aggression will be distributed much less if you add more. I mean 4...really ;P

**ameliaaahx** · 05-27-2012, 05:23 AM

Phew! Good to know the lying on their sides thing is normal!

As for your Yoyo's. Keep an eye on aggression. I had a school of them at one stage and the one dominant one ended up killing the others off one by one. Not normal behaviour from what I can tell but I just thought I'd tell you...just in case!!

Crikey! I'll keep a look out but I don't think it's that bad... Hopefully.

I've had them - yes, a bit aggressive towards each other over food but mine had areas and got along great. As long as there is room and hidding places, they do very well in groups. Feed in different locations when adding food. They really are hogs for food so no other bottom fish should be added that eats similar food. The tank appears perfect for them - maybe some wood or rocks for them to hide behind would help - each will need places

Yes, my tank has several bits of driftwood and rock caves and is also heavily planted. They seem to love nosing round the cabomba/ambulia.

+1 to the above- it seems always aggression will be distributed much less if you add more. I mean 4...really ;P

Well I didn't wanna get too many because they're not exactly small. Plus they're not common and fetch a hefty price here. Over $100 for the 4 I have now.

**smaug** · 05-27-2012, 01:48 PM

They aren't cheap here either but they are one of those fish that are just plain fun and worth the tag. If all you can keep is four then don't sweat it. I only have 2 and all is well. .....red.............are you there boy?

**ameliaaahx** · 05-28-2012, 02:47 AM

Thanks smaug. :) They are very active and fun fish! They have 2 adults about 5 inches long in a display tank at my lfs. They are always on the go, its those two which made me fall in love with them. Coincidentally its also those 2 which cause the yoyos to all sell out in a matter of days when they occassionally get some in!

I'll watch how things pan out with my 4. At most I could possibly add 1 more. Although by the time I add the cories which are growing out in my other tank, plus the 3 rams I have on order, my tank is going to be pretty full. Its heavily planted and has heaps of driftwood, rock caves and upturned pots and stuff for hiding in.

On a side note, my loaches love swimming through the terracotta pot and out the little hole in the bottom. Think I'm going to have to either fill in the hole or find a way to widen of before one gets too big and gets stuck!