Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Skunk Loach
Yasuhikotakia morleti (Tirant, 1885)
Also called Skunk botia, Hora's loach, Botia morleti (former name), Botia horae (synonym)
From Southeast Asia: the middle and lower Mekong basin (Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand) and the Chao Phraya and Mae Klong basins in Thailand.123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Slender, slightly compressed botiid loach
A small, sleek loach with a pointed snout, barbels and a small spine under each eye. Females are a little larger and fuller-bodied than males.1
Personality what they are like
Spirited and confident with a strong group life. Skunk loaches sort out rank with chasing, clicking and colour displays, and can be pushy, so they suit tanks with robust, active companions rather than gentle community fish.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active bottom dwellers that like to dig, explore crevices and burrows, and rise up the water column at feeding time.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Fit a tight lid because they jump. Give rocky caves and wood so each fish has a retreat, sand or smooth gravel, and clean, well-filtered water with regular partial changes.12
Home where they are happiest
A base of at least 120 x 30 cm. Temperature about 23 to 30 °C, pH about 6.0 to 8.0, hardness about 2 to 12 dGH. In the wild they live in medium to large rivers, hiding in rock crevices and under logs over sand.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mainly carnivorous. In the wild they eat snails and other small bottom invertebrates. Offer sinking pellets, frozen or live bloodworm and brine shrimp, some vegetables, and small snails.12
Company who they like around
Keep in a group of at least 5 or 6, ideally 10 or more, which spreads out their squabbles. Best with active, robust fish such as larger barbs and danios and other Yasuhikotakia loaches; avoid slow or delicate bottom dwellers like corydoras.1
The story where it all began
The skunk loach was first described from Indochina in the 1880s as Botia morleti and was later also described under the name Botia horae, which is where the name Hora's loach comes from. In 2002 it was moved to the genus Yasuhikotakia, and it has been a steady presence in the aquarium trade.132
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
In the lower Mekong, young skunk loaches move back into the rivers in November and December.2
- 2
The alternative name 'Hora's loach' comes from the old scientific name Botia horae, given in 1931.3
- 3
Skunk loaches communicate with audible clicks and sometimes go greyish during dominance displays.1
- 4
In the wild they shelter in rock crevices or burrows under sunken logs.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed February 2011)2
- Taxonomy
- Family Botiidae. Described by Gilbert Tirant as Botia morleti (Seriously Fish prints 1855, Wikipedia 1885); Botia horae (Smith, 1931) is a synonym. Moved to the genus Yasuhikotakia in 2002.1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Skunk Loach. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Skunk Loach?
Feed your Skunk Loach small amounts once or twice daily. Offer sinking pellets, frozen or live bloodworm, and brine shrimp. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.12 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Skunk Loach eat, and what should it never eat?
They are mainly carnivorous and enjoy sinking pellets, frozen or live bloodworm, brine shrimp, some vegetables, and small snails. For foods to avoid, it varies, so please ask your vet for guidance.12
How much space does a Skunk Loach need?
Provide a tank with a base of at least 120 cm by 30 cm. They are social and need a group of at least 5 or 6, so a larger tank is best to give them room to explore.1
What temperature, light or water does a Skunk Loach need?
Keep water temperature between 23 and 30°C, pH 6.0 to 8.0, and hardness 2 to 12 dGH. They thrive in clean, well-filtered water with plenty of hiding spots.12
How often should I clean a Skunk Loach's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to change 25% of the water weekly, clean the glass weekly, and rinse the filter in old tank water monthly. Regular cleaning keeps their home healthy. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Skunk Loach live with others?
Yes, they are social and need a group of at least 5 or 6. They get along with active, robust fish like larger barbs and danios, but avoid slow or delicate bottom dwellers such as corydoras.1
How long does a Skunk Loach live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For typical expectations, please ask a good breeder or your vet.
Can I handle a Skunk Loach?
It is best not to handle them as they are delicate and may jump. They also have small spines under their eyes, so handling could cause stress or injury. Use a container for moving them.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Seriously Fish: Yasuhikotakia morleti seriouslyfish.comused for names, origin, size, tank and water, diet, behaviour, colour, taxonomy
- FishBase: Yasuhikotakia morleti summary fishbase.seused for distribution, length, environment, habitat, migration, IUCN status
- Wikipedia: Skunk loach en.wikipedia.orgused for names, synonyms, size, range
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.