Skunk Loach

Yasuhikotakia morleti is one of the more territorial Botiidae species, especially toward its own kind when kept in insufficient numbers. Paradoxically, larger groups diffuse aggression and produce more natural behaviour. The bold white stripe running along the dorsal surface on a pale body gives it an unmistakable silhouette, and it is an efficient predator of pest snails.

Water: 26-30°C, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard. Tank: Minimum 100 L with broken sight lines, caves and root tangles. Feeding: Sinking pellets, frozen meaty foods, live worms, pest snails. Behaviour: Feisty with conspecifics; aggression is managed by keeping larger groups. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; avoid very docile or fin-nipping-susceptible species.