{"product_id":"pakistani-loach-botia-almorhae","title":"Pakistani Loach - Botia almorhae","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"498\" data-end=\"534\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"498\" data-end=\"534\"\u003ePakistani Loach (Botia almorhae)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"536\" data-end=\"1017\"\u003eThe Pakistani Loach is a lively and intelligent freshwater loach admired for its bold black and silver patterning, active bottom-dwelling behaviour and social personality. Also known as the Yo-Yo Loach, Almorha Loach or Reticulated Loach, this species is best suited to mature aquariums with soft substrate, plenty of hiding places and a proper group of its own kind. It can be an excellent community fish in the right setup, but it is active, social and should not be kept singly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1019\" data-end=\"1100\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1019\" data-end=\"1035\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1035\" data-end=\"1038\"\u003ePakistani Loach, Yo-Yo Loach, Almorha Loach, Reticulated Loach\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1102\" data-end=\"1147\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1102\" data-end=\"1130\"\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1130\" data-end=\"1133\"\u003eBotia almorhae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1190\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1172\"\u003eOlder \/ Trade Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1172\" data-end=\"1175\"\u003eBotia lohachata\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1192\" data-end=\"1234\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1192\" data-end=\"1209\"\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1209\" data-end=\"1212\"\u003eApproximately 12–16 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1236\" data-end=\"1264\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1236\" data-end=\"1251\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1251\" data-end=\"1254\"\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1266\" data-end=\"1490\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1266\" data-end=\"1295\"\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1295\" data-end=\"1298\"\u003eThe Pakistani Loach is associated with northern Indian and Himalayan foothill river systems, with closely related trade forms also historically linked to Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1492\" data-end=\"1636\"\u003eIn the wild, botiid loaches are usually found in flowing streams, rivers and pools with sand, gravel, stones, submerged roots and hiding places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1638\" data-end=\"1782\"\u003eIn the aquarium, they do best in mature setups with clean, well-oxygenated water, smooth décor, caves, wood, plants and open areas for foraging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1784\" data-end=\"1982\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1784\" data-end=\"1805\"\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1805\" data-end=\"1808\"\u003eTemperature: 22–27°C\u003cbr data-start=\"1828\" data-end=\"1831\"\u003epH Range: 6.0–7.5\u003cbr data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"1851\"\u003eHardness: Soft to moderately hard\u003cbr data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"1887\"\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003cbr data-start=\"1909\" data-end=\"1912\"\u003eNitrate: Kept low and stable\u003cbr data-start=\"1940\" data-end=\"1943\"\u003eFlow: Gentle to moderate flow preferred\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1984\" data-end=\"2027\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1984\" data-end=\"2000\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2000\" data-end=\"2003\"\u003eSemi-aggressive \/ Social\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2201\"\u003ePakistani Loaches are social fish and should be kept in groups. When kept singly or in very small numbers, they may become shy, stressed or more likely to pester tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2357\"\u003eWithin a group, they may chase, click, display and establish a hierarchy. This is normal loach behaviour when enough space and hiding places are provided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2359\" data-end=\"2427\"\u003eThey are not ideal for very timid fish or slow, long-finned species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2429\" data-end=\"2466\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2429\" data-end=\"2438\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2438\" data-end=\"2441\"\u003eOmnivore \/ Bottom Forager\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2468\" data-end=\"2550\"\u003eThe Pakistani Loach is an active bottom-feeder that accepts a wide range of foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2552\" data-end=\"2752\"\u003eOffer sinking loach pellets, carnivore tablets, algae wafers, quality sinking granules and frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brineshrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, tubifex and chopped earthworm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2754\" data-end=\"2912\"\u003eThey may eat some small snails, but they should not be purchased purely as snail control. A varied prepared and frozen diet is important for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2914\" data-end=\"2975\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2914\" data-end=\"2936\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"2939\"\u003eApproximately 240 litres for a group\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2977\" data-end=\"3034\"\u003eA tank length of at least 120 cm is strongly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3036\" data-end=\"3181\"\u003eFloor space, hiding places and group size are more important than volume alone. This is an active loach that needs room to explore and socialise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3183\" data-end=\"3300\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3183\" data-end=\"3208\"\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3208\" data-end=\"3211\"\u003eThe Pakistani Loach is active, curious and often highly entertaining in a suitable group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3302\" data-end=\"3435\"\u003eIt spends much of its time exploring the bottom, investigating caves, searching through substrate and interacting with other loaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3437\" data-end=\"3575\"\u003eThey may rest in unusual positions, squeeze into caves or wood, and produce audible clicking sounds during feeding or social interactions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3577\" data-end=\"3627\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3577\" data-end=\"3603\"\u003eCommunity Suitability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3603\" data-end=\"3606\"\u003eActive Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3629\" data-end=\"3734\"\u003eThe Pakistani Loach is suitable for larger active community aquariums with robust but peaceful tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3736\" data-end=\"3945\"\u003eSuitable tankmates include medium-sized barbs, rainbowfish, larger rasboras, danios, peaceful gouramis with caution, bristlenose plecos, larger tetras and other active fish that enjoy similar water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3947\" data-end=\"4167\"\u003eAvoid very small fish, tiny shrimp, delicate slow feeders, long-finned fish, timid nano species and aggressive cichlids. Fine-finned fish such as fancy guppies, bettas and long-finned varieties may be nipped or stressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4169\" data-end=\"4289\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4169\" data-end=\"4208\"\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4208\" data-end=\"4211\"\u003eKeep in groups of at least 5, with larger groups preferred where space allows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4291\" data-end=\"4403\"\u003eProvide smooth sand or fine rounded gravel, as rough substrate can damage the barbels and underside of the fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4405\" data-end=\"4522\"\u003eOffer plenty of caves, wood, rock shelters and shaded areas so individuals can retreat and establish their own space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4524\" data-end=\"4589\"\u003eMaintain clean, well-oxygenated water with regular water changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4591\" data-end=\"4649\"\u003eAvoid immature aquariums and sudden water quality changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4651\" data-end=\"4790\"\u003eLoaches can be sensitive to some medications, especially copper-based treatments, so always check suitability before treating the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4792\" data-end=\"4871\"\u003eA secure lid is recommended, as active loaches may jump or escape through gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4873\" data-end=\"4905\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4873\" data-end=\"4890\"\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4890\" data-end=\"4893\"\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4907\" data-end=\"4988\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4907\" data-end=\"4924\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4924\" data-end=\"4927\"\u003eCommon to occasional, depending on season, size and supplier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4990\" data-end=\"5256\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"4990\" data-end=\"5256\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4991\" data-end=\"5255\"\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":47413251244205,"sku":"AG-104725","price":3.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":47413251276973,"sku":"AG-104726","price":4.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":47413251309741,"sku":"AG-104727","price":6.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/PakistaniLoach-Botiaalmorhae.jpg?v=1790861831","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/pakistani-loach-botia-almorhae","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}