Yasuhikotakia morleti

Common name: Morlet's Loach
Origin: Southeast Asia, primarily found in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Optimal living conditions:

• Temperature: 24 - 28°C (75 - 82°F)
• pH: 6.5 - 7.5
• Aquarium size: Minimum 100 liters (26 gallons)

Adult fish size: 12 - 15 cm (4.7 - 5.9 inches)

Diet: Yasuhikotakia morleti is omnivorous and enjoys a varied diet. They will accept high-quality flake food, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They also enjoy snacking on algae and plant matter. Ensure a well-balanced diet to keep them healthy and vibrant.

Tankmates: These loaches are peaceful but active, and they do best in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places. They do well with other peaceful species such as tetras, gouramis, and peaceful cichlids. It's important to avoid aggressive fish, as Yasuhikotakia morleti can be stressed by aggressive tankmates. They are known to be good tank cleaners and enjoy rummaging around the substrate in search of food.

Note: Yasuhikotakia morleti is a hardy fish, but it requires a spacious tank with a gentle filtration system to mimic its natural habitat. They prefer areas with a moderate to strong current and enjoy burrowing into the substrate, so soft, sandy substrate is ideal. They are excellent at scavenging and can help control algae growth in the tank.

While they are peaceful, they can be a little territorial with other loaches, so it is best to keep them with other species of similar temperament. Like many loaches, they are active and social, so keeping them in groups of at least 3 to 5 individuals is highly recommended to ensure they feel secure and thrive in the aquarium.

Note: Keep in mind that they may dig around the substrate and sometimes disturb plants, so choose hardy plants and secure them well in the substrate. Additionally, since Yasuhikotakia morleti is known for its nocturnal behavior, it is likely to be more active during the evening and night.