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Skunk loach
A dark top stripe joins a bold tail-base band.
A dark mid-dorsal stripe runs from the crown to a strong caudal-peduncle band. Adult flanks are relatively plain; juvenile side bars fade with growth.
- Adult length
- Up to 10 cm
- Water temperature
- 23–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–12 dGH
- Natural habitat
- Occupies still and flowing waters, using rock crevices and cover beneath submerged roots, and moves into tributaries and flooded areas seasonally.
Keep at 23–28°C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH.
Appearance and identification
Y. morleti has a continuous black mid-dorsal stripe, which the similar Y. longidorsalis lacks. Both can show a dark caudal-peduncle mark, so the dark tail base alone does not distinguish them.
Floor and movement space
Allow a 120 × 30 cm base with refuges.
Aquarium environment
May feed on soft leaves. Ornamental snails and shrimp are not safe.
Diet and feeding
Offer varied, suitably sized sinking foods and small animal foods with suitable plant food. Snail predation does not replace feeding.
Same-species behaviour
Keep at least five or six, preferably ten or more, on a 120 × 30 cm base.
Compatibility limits
Small adult size does not mean gentle: fin-nipping and harassment occur. Provide multiple refuges and clean, well-oxygenated water, with a secure cover against jumping. Peaceful Corydoradinae are poor companions.