Skunk Loach (Yasuhikotakia morleti) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 55 gallons and 75-86°F. A bold, striped botia loach with an orange tinge on the fins. It lives for many years, likes company and hiding places, and eats small snails. Keep it in a group on soft sand with caves, and avoid slow or long-finned tankmates.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Yasuhikotakia morleti |
|---|---|
| Family | Botiidae |
| Origin | Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, Southeast Asia |
| Adult size | 4-5 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gallons |
| Temperature | 75-86°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperament | Active, semi-aggressive toward slow or long-finned fish; sociable with its own kind |
| Social behavior | Groups of 5+ |
| Swim level | Bottom to mid |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp, snails; some blanched vegetables |
| Typical lifespan | 8-12 years |
Quick tips
- Keep a group of five or more to reduce bullying among them.
- Use sand or smooth gravel and plenty of caves or wood.
- It eats small snails and may chase slow fish.
San Diego water
Captive-bred stock usually adapts to San Diego tap water with slow acclimation. For best color and health, many keepers blend tap with RO/DI water. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi