Botia Almorhae Behavior Question

[StrangeSavant]

I have three yoyo loaches in my tank but am only concerned about one of them. Recently the one yoyo has been graying out heavily and becomes very lethargic. I can never predict when this will happen (though typically it's at night) and sometimes he stays that way for a couple days before returning to normal.

Everything else seems fine, I just want to make sure whether or not I should be concerned.

Thanks.

[plaalye]

Is it the smallest of the three? Is it getting picked on?? It might be the odd loach out of the three and displaying it's dismay about the situation. 2 or 3 more would change the dynamic in the tank if you have room. See what others have to say??

[StrangeSavant]

Oddly enough, he is the largest. But he doesn't chill with the other two very often. Strangely, the other two yoyos like to hang out with my dojo. Whatever.

So say I got 2 or 3 more... I have a 30 gal but am already planning on getting a 75.... But I think this could take up to a year. Think that's enough time?

I should also mention that they're all very small. I don't think any of them exceed 2 inches, but I'm not totally sure.

[mickthefish]

it doesn't sound normal for them, could you tell us roughly what size the three of them are please.
and also what hiding places you've set up and the size of the tank in it's dimensions.

mick

[StrangeSavant]

I'd say each of them are approximately 2 inches each, the one that's graying out is slightly longer and slightly fatter.

The tank is 30 gallons. I'm not exactly sure how the dimension specs are supposed to be written out, so I'll do length, depth, height. 36 x 12.5 x 15.5

Approximately, of course.

The tank has a fair amount of plants, all fake, as well as a cave for them to hide in and a sort of log. Again, these are fake. I often see the yoyos hanging out inside the log. I can't see into the cave, but I sometimes see them swim out.

[mickthefish]

i'd add a few more hiding places around the tank, from what you've seen is this fish the one thats being bullied by the other two or is this one bullying the others? as greying out in my tank means they're up to mischief.

mick

[StrangeSavant]

Perhaps I'll get some slate and make another cave.

As far as I can tell, the one that grays out simply isn't that social. I'm not sure who picks on whom, but the other two will come and look at me when I'm at the tank while the other makes sure to avoid my gaze.