Your favorite non-clown loaches

[Fishman Dave]

Nice yoyo pics. Looks like they're in various stages of making the transition from 'yoyo patterning' to ' reticulated patterning

Yes, well spotted, some think they are two different types but botia almorhea are the yo-yo loach (once b. Lohachata) and start life with that lovely yo-yo patterning but as they age this becomes lost in a more reticulated patterning hence their other name of reticulated loach.
Whereas clowns are happy to sit and let you photo them, yo-yo are not, stopping is just a split second action and anything longer stationary is just not in their nature.

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

Whereas clowns are happy to sit and let you photo them, yo-yo are not, stopping is just a split second action and anything longer stationary is just not in their nature.

I completely agree on this, they just wouldn't stay still when I tried to photo some at Big Al's.
This at least makes them very fun to watch!

 

[1 2many]

Redfin Tiger loaches and Chameleon loaches. (Syncrossus Berdmorei/Syncrossus Beauforti) Although not suitable for everybody they are some of the coolest loaches I’ve come across.

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

Firetail loaches do look very nice. They would be my choice if I had the chance to get a 3rd 473 liter.

 

[Fishman Dave]

Never seen S. berdmorei in person, all have turned out to actually be S. beauforti but would certainly grab both if I found them locally.
Most of this family just seem to get traded as tiger botia and are S. helodes or S. reversa around here.

 

[Daniacat]

Haven’t had any yet but would get kuhli loaches for my 20 gallon long.

 

[A201]

Picking a favorite Botia is difficult. I keep a group of Y. Modestas, YoYo's & a solo Berdmorei Tiger. The Modestas are the linebackers of the Loach world, big & thick. Mine easily held their own against Mbuna.
YoYo's have the great color pattern, active & are non stop scavengers.
The Berdmorei is a loner & a slow grower. Mine is probably a male & grows about an inch a year. He doesn't bother other Botia species, but actually killed off six or seven Berdmorei tankmates.
At some point I'd like to try a group of Skunk Loaches.

 

[Deadeye]

One of my sun loaches came out last night. First time I got a good look at one in weeks.
Starting to get a golden hue to the body and has red fins. Very attractive for such a full juvie fish!