Eos Loach

Yasuhikotakia eos is one of the most colourful members of the genus Yasuhikotakia, displaying a warm orange-red body overlaid with faint barring and bright fin colouration. It is native to the Mekong drainage across Thailand and Laos, where it inhabits clear, slower-moving reaches among submerged wood and leaf litter.

In the aquarium, Eos Loach rewards its keeper with active, diurnal behaviour and striking colour that intensifies as the fish matures. It should be kept in a group of at least five, with each individual requiring hiding spots to feel secure. A planted setup with driftwood and fine substrate brings out the best in this species both behaviourally and visually.

Diet should include a variety of sinking foods: quality micro-pellets, frozen daphnia, bloodworm, and cyclops are all accepted. Regular water changes and low nitrate levels are key to maintaining optimum colouration and immune health in this species.

Water: pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 23–28°C, soft to moderately hard, low nitrate. Tank: 80 L minimum; fine substrate, driftwood tangles, java fern, and dim areas. Feeding: Micro sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, cyclops, and occasional live foods. Breeding: Not accomplished in captivity; no reliable spawning trigger identified. Compatibility: Peaceful; excellent with small-to-medium community fish; keep in groups of 5+.