Woodthorpe Hall Aquatics Yoyo Loach (Botia Almorhae)

The Yoyo Loach (Botia almorhae), originating from South Asia, is a distinguished freshwater aquarium species, notable for its dynamic body patterns that evolve from juvenile "YO" markings to complex adult designs. This sociable and active fish is ideal for community tanks, where its preference for group living underscores its intricate social dynamics.

Essential for maintaining harmony, Yoyo Loaches thrive in groups, with solitary housing discouraged due to potential stress and aggression. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they play a vital role in aquarium upkeep, scavenging the substrate and contributing to the cleanliness of their environment.

Compatibility

Due to their dynamic nature, Yoyo Loaches may not suit all community aquariums, especially those with slow-moving or small, peaceful inhabitants. However, they make excellent companions for the more active, small to medium-sized species, such as those within the Danio and Barb families. Yoyo Loaches can reach significant sizes, requiring an aquarium of at least 5 feet in length to provide sufficient swimming space. For their habitat, a fine sand substrate is crucial to protect the loaches' delicate barbels, complemented by an abundance of hiding places using bogwood, caves, and aquatic plants preferably more than one per loach. Optimal water quality, achieved through bi-weekly water changes of 10-15% and good aeration, is essential for their well-being. Moreover, a subdued lighting setup is recommended to replicate their natural environment closely.

Diet

Yoyo Loaches are not picky eaters, and they will readily consume most commercial food offerings, such as high-quality pellets and flakes. However, as they are primarily bottom feeders, sinking pellets and flakes should be offered to them. Additionally, to provide them with a more varied diet and to promote optimal nutrition, supplementing their diet with some vegetable matter is recommended. While Yoyo Loaches are not molluscivorous, they do enjoy snacking on small snails, which can also help keep snail populations in check in the aquarium. Offering a diverse diet will help ensure that these fish receive all the necessary nutrients and maintain their overall health and vitality.

Origin and Environment

The Yoyo Loach originates from Bangladesh, Nepal, and the north and northeast of India, thriving in environments characterized by clear, slow-moving waters that are warm, soft, and slightly acidic, with high oxygen levels. These fish are commonly found in areas with dense aquatic vegetation and rocky substrates, such as river bends and small pools.

Their behaviour is notable for its seasonal migration patterns. Yoyo Loaches migrate upstream to spawn and subsequently return downstream to spend the remainder of their lives. This natural cycle highlights their adaptability and the complexity of their life history in the wild.

Payment Methods

We accept all major Credit and Debit cards, and these are processed via a third party payment gateway called Opayo. 

We also accept payments via PayPal, PayPal credit, Clearpay and Klarna which are both pay in 4 interest-free instalments. 

Also, you can pay using Android and Apple Pay if you are using a compatible device. 

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Security

When speaking to one of our team, we will never ask you for your bank details, passwords or any private information. We will only ever ask for your order number followed by either your postcode, email address or phone number to verify we are talking to the person named on the account. 

When creating an account on our website, we ask that you use a unique password, this will help keep all your online accounts safe. If you are visiting our website via a smartphone we suggest you use the strong password and store it securely on your phone. 

Our website is run on Visual Soft, which means all your data is stored securely on their servers. 

Next Day Shipping cut off is at Noon/12:00pm

Orders after that time will be processed the next working day

Please Note: Certain ponds, aquariums, all pond plants, and all livestock are excluded from free delivery.

The blue highlighted area on the map below is where we deliver on our own vehicle. Unfortunately, if you are not in one of these postcode zones we are unable to deliver certain items such as plants, small glass items and selective other products.

We offer a few different delivery options depending on the size and value of your order.

Certain orders over £50 qualify for free mainland UK (excludes Northern Ireland, Pond Plants, and livestock) delivery which will arrive within 3-5 working days of the order being processed.

Orders Below £50 in Mainland UK will be charged a standard delivery fee of £5.99.

Pond Plant and Tropical/Marine/Pond Livestock will be charged a delivery fee of £19.99.

Additional Shipping Charges

For any orders that do not include Aquariums, the below is charged:

Next Working Day Parcel Delivery to Mainland UK - £7.99 OR £2.99 if the order is over £50 (excludes Northern Ireland)

Standard Parcel Delivery to Northern Ireland £8.99

Standard Parcel Delivery to Scottish Highlands & Islands £9.99

Standard Parcel Delivery to Jersey & Guernsey £12.99

For all Aquarium, Medium - Extra Large Terrarium/Vivarium/Paludarium deliveries (Excluding biOrbs & Smaller Aquariums), the below is charged:

You must be present for delivery and please check your item before signing for delivery.

A payment link will be sent to you if redelivery is required.

Next Working Day Pallet Delivery - £20

2 Hour Booking Slot Pallet Delivery - £20

Pallet Delivery to Northern Ireland - £45

Saturday and OptiClear 90 & 120 Delivery - £60

Pallet Delivery to Isle of Wight (PO30 and Above) and Scottish Highlands (AB, PH, IV1-36, IV, KW1-14, KY, PA21-41) - £45

Pallet Delivery to the Scottish Isles (KA27-28, PA60-90, ZE, JE, GY, IM, IV40-56, KW15-17, PH42-44, PA20, PA42-49) - £120

Pallet Delivery to Outer Hebrides (HS) - £140

Pond's over 1000 litres will be a curb side pallet delivery.

Aquariums over 125 litre will be a curb side pallet delivery.

The couriers we use are Royal Mail, DX, APC, and UPN.

Standard Delivery

Northern Ireland Standard Delivery

Next Day Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Saturday Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Livestock Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Plant Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Standard Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Next Day Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Saturday Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Northern Ireland Curb Side Pallet Delivery