25 gal Yoyo Loach tank mates

[nwchang]

Hello!

My grandfather has a 5 year old lone Yoyo/Pakistani Loach (~3") in a 25 gal tank.
I was doing research to spruce up the tank and maybe add a few colorful fish/larger shrimp.

Any stocking advice on tank mates for the loach?
I'd really like a shrimp (bamboo/sulawesi) or mystery snail to help him keep the tank clean as well- anyone know if they'd make good tank mates?

Any advice would be helpful- thank you!

 

[Delapool]

Hello, welcome to the forum

I'm not sure if the tank size / present stocking will allow it, else would suggest another two yoyo loaches as they prefer a small school. I have two remaining ones in the tank that are more sedate now but "play" together still.

I don't know about shrimp but I've never had trouble with my loaches from fry to larger fish. Ramshorn and pond snails will get eaten by them. Mystery or trapdoor snails I have found are too big for them (although mine did try).

 

[DanB80TTS]

Loache's tend it eat most crustaceans so that wouldn't be wise. 25g isn't really large enough for a single yoyo IMO and they prefer to be in groups.
The fact that you say the loach is 5 years old and only 3" in size makes me think it's growth may have been stunted for some reason, I'd expect a 5 year old to be at least 5".
But back to the question in hand you should keep him alone unless the tank size is upgraded.