Hora's Loach

Yasuhikotakia morleti, commonly known as Hora's Loach or the Skunk Loach, is a widely distributed species found throughout the Mekong basin. It is easily recognised by the prominent black stripe running along the dorsal midline from snout to tail, contrasting with its pale cream body. Despite its relatively modest appearance, it is one of the most personality-rich of the smaller Yasuhikotakia species.

Hora's Loach is noted for being more aggressive intraspecifically than many of its relatives; keeping it in larger groups of six or more significantly reduces the intensity of squabbles and distributes dominant behaviour. It is primarily a bottom dweller that appreciates fine sand for burrowing, an assortment of cave hides, and low-to-moderate lighting.

Feeding should include a variety of sinking foods — pellets, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, and live worms — supplemented with occasional snail offerings, which this species dispatches efficiently. The Hora's Loach is a durable, entertaining fish best suited to a keeper with some loach experience.

Water: pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 23–28°C, well-oxygenated with gentle to moderate flow. Tank: 80 L minimum; fine substrate, cave hides, subdued lighting, robust or floating plants. Feeding: Sinking omnivore pellets, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, live worms, and snails. Breeding: Not bred in captivity under standard aquarium conditions. Compatibility: Can be nippy toward slower tankmates; best with robust, similarly sized species.