Fish-Cam.Net - Tropical Freshwater Aquarium

Clown Loach

R.I.P. 14/4/06

This was possibly my favourite fish in the tank. If I'd known more about these gys when I setup my tank I would have bought a few, as they are best kept in groups. But with the current stock level I can't add any more fish.

Watching the Clown Loach is like watching a puppy dog, he's always exploring and 'sniffing' out new spots and food. He looks so much like an excited puppy wagging it's tail that I have named him 'pup'.

I don't have a photo online yet, he can be elusive when the camera is out.

The information on Clown Loaches below is from The Tropical Tank, a great resource I've used when researching the fish in my tank.

Common name: Clown loach, Clown botia, Tiger botia

Scientific name: Chromobotia macracanthus

Synonyms: Botia macracanthus (old genus name)

Size: Up to 12" (30cm), but usually smaller in aquaria - about 6" (15cm).

Origin: Borneo, Sumatra, India

Tank setup: Large tank with plenty of hiding places

Compatibility: Peaceful community fish

Temperature: 24-30oC (75-86oF)

Water chemistry: Fairly soft, slightly acidic (pH 6-7) preferred, but will adapt to harder and more alkaline water.

Feeding: Omnivorous, but prefers meaty foods

Sexing: Unknown, females may be fuller bodied

Breeding: There have only been occasional spawnings reported in aquaria, of which there are no detailed accounts. The Clown loach is now bred commercially on fish farms in large numbers.

Comments: A very popular aquarium fish, both for its colour and its antics. One of its habits is to lie on its side when resting - which may alarm those not familiar with it, as the fish may appear to be ill! They may also make audible clicking sounds, particularly at feeding time. They tend to be more active if kept as a small group, rather than singly or in pairs. Provide plenty of refuges in the way of bogwood or hollow cylinders such as bamboo or pipes, as the fish like to rest out of sight.

This fish is particularly prone to whitespot/ich when stressed in any way, so observe fish carefully before buying and ideally quarantine for at least 2 weeks before introducing to the main tank.

Back 26.03.2006.