Skunk Botia

Yasuhikotakia morleti

Also known as Skunk Loach, Cream Loach

Animalia›Chordata›Cypriniformes›Cobitidae

The Skunk Botia is a small, peaceful loach native to Southeast Asia, known for its distinctive dark body with a white or cream-colored stripe running along its back. These social fish are best kept in groups and spend much of their time foraging along the substrate, making them excellent scavengers for planted tanks. They are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for intermediate aquarists.

Where it's from

Native to the Chao Phraya, Dong Nai, Mae Khlong, Mekong and 3 other river basins

Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar (Burma)

Recorded as introduced in Mexico

At a glance

Size: 5 in; 13 cm
Min tank: 40 gal; 151 L
Group: 5+
Temp: 75–82°F; 24–28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
GH: 89–214 ppm; 5–12 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 8-10 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Skunk Botias are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume algae wafers, sinking pellets, and small live foods like bloodworms and daphnia. Feed once daily in amounts they can consume within 2-3 minutes. Supplement with vegetable matter such as blanched zucchini or cucumber occasionally.

Behavior

These loaches are nocturnal and crepuscular, most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. They are social fish that should be kept in groups of at least 5 to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior. They spend considerable time foraging along the substrate and in crevices, occasionally resting in caves or under plants.

Breeding

Breeding Skunk Botias in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely successful in home aquariums. They require specific environmental triggers and large, well-established tanks. Most specimens available in the hobby are wild-caught or farm-raised, and breeding information is limited.

Tank mates

See all 5

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eaters that share similar bottom-dwelling habits

excellent

Corydoras Sterbai

Compatible bottom feeders, though may compete for food

good

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller that won't compete with bottom-feeding loaches

good

Harlequin Rasbora

Peaceful schooling fish that occupy middle water zones

excellent

Fits a 40-gallon tank Peaceful

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0); Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).