Take care to keep the water very clean, well-aerated, and warm. Like most fish, they have a lateral line system that is used for sensing water pressure changes as an alert for potential predators around them. The clown loach's arched body is long and lean, ideal for cutting through the water. My 450L Loaches tank 31 clown, 5 morleti, 2 sidthimunki. The word "macracanthus" stands for "big spine", and as this name suggests they have a pre orbital spine that is quite large. The ideal water for Clown Loaches needs to be a temperature ranging from 77-86°F and a pH of 6-8. Virtually all non-aggressive fish are suitable as tankmates. The body arches high at the dorsal fin, but is streamlined and clearly built for fast movement. Black Kuhli Loaches are extremely peaceful and live best in a community aquarium with fish of the same disposition. I have seen a stressed loach before, swimming with his head out the water all frantic, ---this is not what they look like, they barely touch the surface. Top. In some species, such as the spined loach (Cobitis taenia) of Eurasia, there is also a short, movable spine near each eye. Clown Loaches are a tropical freshwater fish that is part of the Botiidae family. Clown loach (Botia macracanthus) Jane Burton/Bruce Coleman Ltd. If you see any dead fish, steer clear of the tank system; there is a good chance you'll be buying a loach that is already infected with Ich. Clown loaches will even eat any annoying snails that wind up in your aquarium. rich Posts: 837 Tiger barbs, black molly, and clown loach adding a splash of color to your aquarium The first step is to acquire sufficiently old enough fish that are about six inches long. They don't like bright light, will hide among plants or rocks as well, and sleep in holes, caves, and other hiding places. Part of why Clown Loaches have become popular is because of their interesting look. It’s believed to be used for defense or even for predatory tactics. Information about the maximum size of the clown loach varies, with some estimates ranging up to 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in), and with typical adult sizes ranging from 15–20 cm (5.9–7.9 in). Clown loaches are large schooling fish, and they are quite active. If you do not handle the fish carefully you can get your finger pricked which can lead to a painful wound. You should be careful when handling a clown loach because they have a spine under each eye. If you want to try and recreate this environment for your fish, try having a sandy substrate at the bottom of your tank will help. While not venomous, any fish owner that gets an injury from this spine will remember it for a very long time. The flood plains are teeming with plant life both over and under weather. A Clown Loach will most likely display signs of illness, especially Ich, during and after a move. Our free guide can help keep your tank clean and your fish healthy. These spines are used for defense; in captivity, these may prick fingers or snag on nets, so it’s important to be careful when handling your loach. When monsoon season comes around, they migrate upwards into the flood plains. Also, Clown Loaches have a sub-ocular spine the protrudes from beneath the eye, therefore when using a net to catch a Clown Loach, you should be careful not to allow this spine to caught on the net. While most of the fish that have black bars over their dorsoventral use this as a sign of aggression to warn off other fish and predators. If a female does spawn in an aquarium setting, there is an excellent chance that they will not be fertilized and that she or her male counterparts will eat the eggs before they hatch. With fewer than five, you’ll find your little clowns are less playful and keep to themselves more. Its orange and black striped body, red fins, and active behavior have made it one of the most popular loach species for fishkeepers. If you do not handle the fish carefully you can get your finger pricked which can lead to a painful wound. There is a rare albino/platinum coloring that can appear naturally in this species. question 2: in my 30/40l tank, I have a bunch of fish and the 2 types I've noticed doing the following was harlequins and lemon tetras. Ich can be treated by a variety of over the counter medications. These relatives of carp and minnows are true martial arts masters. There is no need for getting a heavy-duty if the system you pick is effective at cycling out the nitrates and ammonia. Water should be at pH 6.2–7.0, temperature at 25-30°C/77-86°F. Sometimes these fish can act a little odd, so be aware of that. By including these materials in your aquarium, you will help give your tank a natural feel that your fish can appreciate. Q. You should be careful when handling a clown loach because they have a spine under each eye. Peter Bleeker (Dutch doctor, ichthyologist) was the first who mentioned this fish kind and classified the fish as a loaches fish class.Since 2004 clown loach was officially classified as a separate kind of loaches family with Greek name Chromobotia. You can even feed them on earthworms, as long as you harvest the worms from soil that hasn't been fertilized recently. Part of this involves keeping the water between 77.9-79.7°F and a pH of 6.2-6.4. When looking at filtration systems for your tank, it is okay to use standard equipment. While there are no full-proof methods for making sure of breeding success for your fish, there are a few things you can do to help ensure it. Unlike many loach species that are only active at night, the clown loach can be active during the daytime hours—though it's likely to be most lively in the early morning and after dark. Loaches are particularly prone to Ich infections; watch them closely whenever new fish or plants are added to the tank. Are there any signs to look for to know if your clown loach is sick? Like all loaches, the clown loach has a long, pointed nose surrounded by sensitive whisker-like barbels and a sharp spine beneath each eye. It feeds mainly on insects and water plants can be eaten, too. Clown Loach is a common name for a freshwater fish in the genus Chromobotia Macracanthus in the family Cobitidae of the order Cypriniformes. The Clown Loach's arched body is long and lean, ideal for cutting through the water. When you pick your plants it’s best to get strong plants that thrive in low light and can handle being chewed and pulled on. The clown loach hails from the rivers and tributaries of Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, and Kalimantan. After building the base, the next step is to add in live plants. Other symptoms of this disease include a loss of appetite and unusual hiding behavior. Before handling a clown loach, you should be aware of the fact that clown loaches have a movable spine set just beneath their eyes. This version of the species still has its orange background but has white bars instead of black ones. This species of fish also has a very complex hierarchy, usually with an alpha female dictating the patterns and lives of the others. There are two naturally occurring genetic populations of this species, the Borneo and Sumatra. Clown loaches are a very peaceful and extremely social species of fish. Clowns will accept a wide variety of dry and live foods, but their preference is for live foods, especially worms. The plants will give oxygen and give a type of filtration that is necessary for keeping your fish healthy. Hence, you must handle a clown loach with care. The stripes run vertically and take on a triangle shape. Distribution: Malay peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra . These spines are used for defense; in captivity, these may prick fingers or snag on nets, so it’s important to be careful when handling your loach. A typical loach has very small scales and three to six pairs of whiskerlike barbels around its mouth. Males can be identified by the tail, which is larger, forming a more pointed V-shape, and is more brightly colored. You can tell that a fish has been infected due to white spots appearing on the body and gills of the fish. Hence, you might want to be careful while handling it every now and then. Clown loaches, extremely popular as aquarium fish, are available in many pet stores. You will need a large tank with plenty of space for your loaches to move around. Often dosages must be cut in half to be safe. Common name: Clown Loach. Due to their color, they are extremely popular and over the last few decades have been extensively harvested from their homes to be sold in the aquarium industry. Besides protein, this species needs to have plant matter in their regular diet. In fact, they’re even named so―”clown loach”―as an ode to the bright colors and stripes that adorn their bodies, along with their comical antics mentioned above. Hiding places can be made of wood or rock; strong, sturdy plants are also a good addition. These spines are used for defense; in captivity, they may prick fingers snag on nets, so it's important to be careful when handling your pet. The Chromobotia was first described as Cobitis by Pieter Bleeker in 1852; later, in 1989, it was changed to Botia. They range in adult length from the 23 mm (1 in) miniature eel-loach, Pangio longimanus, to the 50 cm (20 in) imperial flower loach, Leptobotia elongata, with the latter weighing up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs). Clown Loaches are wide bodied fish that have a large moveable spine set in a groove below each of the fish’s eyes that is used for defense and holding onto rocks in swift currents. These fish like to be in clear rivers and streams with slow-moving water that is located on islands. I don´t have a clue what did that but unfortunatelly, he passad away. I don´t have a clue what did that but unfortunatelly, he passad away. Clown loaches have a typical loach body shape, with a long, pointed nose complete with sensing barbels. They need to be kept in separate tanks and fed highly nutritious food for several weeks. True to its name, its body is bright orangey-yellow, and its fins and tail are bright red. The Sumatran species is known for having orangish-red pectoral fins. Omnivorous by nature, Clown Loaches feed on both plant matters and flesh. I like to feed them these sinking shrimp pellets made by omega one. One of the bars is over the head and eyes like a mask, one is across its dorsal fin, and the other is in the middle. Q. Shirlie is a fish and aquarium lover with 16 years of experience writing on the topic of raising and keeping fish at home. When you are trying to set up the areas of light and dark in your tank, it is important to make sure the area of light is subdued. Unfortunately, I lost one of my 15 clown loach school this evening. They like to live in places where there is plenty of floating and overhanging plant or where riverbanks can overhang. Some of these fish can have a pale yellow whereas others have a captivating orange coloring. Virtually all clown loaches sold for aquaria are captured in the wild. These fish have a movable spine, which lies in a groove close to the mouth, below the eyes. The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, More Pet Fish Species and Further Research, Horseface Loach (Horsehead Loach) Fish Species Profile, Zebra Loach (Candy Stripe Loach) Fish Species Profile. Their upper dorsal line is curved from the base of the tail to their mouth. Ideally, they’ll be kept in large community tanks in shoals of at least five clown loaches. I am not wanting to do guppies or tetras as I have them in other tanks. Clown Loaches have an arched body. The clown loach is a peaceful fish and coexists well with nearly any tankmate. Price may vary by location. These larger fish really enjoy playing with each other and chasing each other around the aquarium – which is part of why you need at least a 100-gallon aquarium for their true health and happiness. They do well with a mix of algae wafers, live foods, and freeze-dried treats like brine shrimp and bloodworms. You can enjoy watching the fish on the day when it is most active. One disease they are especially at risk for is called Ich. They sometimes like to lie on their sides at the bottom of the tank, giving the impression that they’ve passed. During spawning periods, they migrate to flooded areas of the rainforest where soft, tea-colored water flows through boggy, slow-moving streams. All loaches possess very sharp, bony spines behind their eyes that they can unfold and use to warn off other fish (and the occasional fish keeper who insists on taking them to shows). My clown loach spends all of his time in either a large rock-cavern ornament, or a small barrel ornament I have in my tank. Clown loach (Chromobotia macracanthus, earlier named Botia macracanthus) was first described in 1852. A mixture of low or no-grain pellets, vegetables, and protein foods, Two times per day, based on your schedule, Other small crustaceans – once a week or less. Swiss ichthyologist Maurice Kottelat initiated this chan… It is during the peak of the monsoon seasons that the fish will spawn both the flood plain and the small streams connected to it. He’s passionate about helping more people find joy in fishkeeping and teaching them how to become expert pet parents at VIVOFISH. Peaceful with its own and other species, the clown loach prefers to have companions with which it will form a school. To ensure your fish’s health, you should strive to keep the water temperature of the aquarium at 86°F and with a pH level range of 7.4-7.8. lazy clown loach, spine out. Not only will the right plants give shade and a place to play for your fish, but they serve other functions. True to its name, its body is bright orange to yellow, and its fins and tail are bright red. Top. This includes using copper-based medications on your clown loaches. Backwaters, ponds, lakes are typical habitats for yoyo loach. It has wide black V … He’s had fish for as long as he can remember, and grew up taking more and more responsibility for his parent’s tanks - from nano reef tanks all the way up to their massive 400 gallon beauty. Clown loaches can m… I got him because I have a snail infestation in my tank, and the fish dude at the petsmart told me to get a clown loach for it. When you start to create the tank for your Clown Loaches, there is a lot of opportunity for being creative. They can use it to defend themselves or attack other fish, which only happens in one instance as far as I know because the clown loaches are very peaceful normally. Yoyo Loach has a hidden spine under their eyes which cannot be seen from outside. I am wondering what are some good types of fish that would fit best with the clowns. Consider schooling tetras, mollies and platys, single-tail goldfish, glass catfish, algae-eating Bristlenose or Clown plecos, or bottom feeders like Clown loaches and Corydoras species. Standard considerations. In the unfortunate event that an infection does occur, keep in mind that loaches, like catfish, are very sensitive to some medications. Clown Loaches are wide bodied fish that have a large moveable spine set in a groove below each of the fish’s eyes that is used for defense and holding onto rocks in swift currents. Their distinct shape and colors help them stand out from other aquarium fishes. Younger fish will shadow and mimic the alpha’s movements and behavior. Required fields are marked *. Another key to your tank is making sure to have subdued lighting. They are a fish species that loves the dark, so any overly bright lights will mess up their natural cycles. Clown Loach is known for its vibrant colors. This is normal for clown loaches, though and just a part of their unique character. While the Clown Loaches have this mark, they are instead friendly and playful. Its habitats are waters with slow flow or impounded waters, so it can be said that the fish doesn’t like water flows presence. Clown loaches tank should be spacious since the fish grows to be rather large – up to 16-20 cm long. Read product information carefully before treating any loach. At the same time, however, each and every loach should have several hiding spots available; loaches love enclosed spaces and will sometimes "hide" in caves, tubes, and other hidey-holes. This species of fish loves to have an aquatic landscape where there a lot of plants and natural hiding spots. This breed of fish enjoys warm water and to keep them healthy, it is important to make sure your aquarium has a quality filter and heater. Water quality is critical for keeping clown loaches healthy. Clown loaches are notoriously difficult to breed within captivity and even expert fish keepers can find it hard. The clown loach has many unique characteristics starting with their morphology. They thrive best in tanks with moving water. Clown Loach: Description and behavior Clown loach in an aquarium Information about the maximum size of the clown loach varies, with some estimates ranging up to 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in), and with typical adult sizes ranging from 15–20 cm (5.9–7.9 in). Clown Loaches are shy fish and benefit from having live plants and river rocks in the aquarium to hide amongst. Clown Loaches are wide bodied fish that have a large moveable spine set in a groove below each of the fish’s eyes that is used for defense and holding onto rocks in swift currents. Clown Loaches are shy fish and benefit from having live plants and river rocks in the aquarium to hide amongst. An efficient filtration system and frequent water changes are critical. Critters and fish that make good companions for your clown loaches include: For your clown loaches, you’ll need to avoid keeping these fish: Clown loaches are omnivores and eat a wide range of things. Typically, they will be on sale if you purchase in shoals. To keep these fish in a tank, they need similar protection. Ideally, you should feed them several small meals throughout the day. These spines can be extended as needed for self dense. The rivers they prefer are made up of rocky pebble and the flood plains have muddle substrate with a lot of plant growth. Water should be at pH 6.2–7.0, temperature at 25-30°C/77-86°F. If you are pricked with this, it can deliver an extremely painful wound. My clown loach does come out sometimes when I am asleep or not around. Instead of scales, this fish produces a type of mucus on its body for protection. My clown loach does come out sometimes when I am asleep or not around. Hence, you might want to be careful while handling it every now and then. Originally found in Indonesia, their unique appearance is what drew the attention to them. Over the course of time, the female will grow larger. These spines are used for defense; in captivity, these may prick fingers or snag on nets, so it's important to be careful when handling your loach. Ask the expert. Its peaceful nature makes it an ideal candidate for a community tank. Your email address will not be published. Lifespan of Clown Loach. Clown Loach Choked To Death 10/31/19 Hi, I have a, hopefully, simple question. The only time this fish moves is during monsoon season, and then they will move to shallow bogs. Besides allowing the fish to have lower light, these kinds of places help the fish to have cover from predators and reduce the stress of the fish. Your email address will not be published. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Synonyms: Botia macracantha, Cobitis macracanthus, Chromobotia macracanthus . The barbelson the lower jaw are small and difficult to see. How to Keep Clown Loaches in Aquarium Clown loaches are tropical freshwater fish, belonging to the botiid loach family. Aquarists love these schooling fish with orange and black striped bodies, red fins, and playful attitudes. Like all loaches, the clown loach has a long, pointed nose surrounded by sensitive whisker-like barbels and a sharp spine beneath each eye. While it may not be easy to see the spots when they first appear, the fish respond to this disease by scraping their bodies against their environments. The fish inhabits in India and Pakistan. Take a look at this video: That´s one of my 4" YoYo that got it´s spine bent laterally. Yoyo loaches do best when kept in peaceful communities with similar sized or smaller tank mates that have overlapping care requirements. I have seen a stressed loach before, swimming with his head out the water all frantic, ---this is not what they look like, they barely touch the surface. While not venomous, any fish owner that gets an injury from this spine will remember it for a very long time. Clown loaches are omnivores, though in the wild they tend to focus their attention on critters like snails, worms, and other small invertebrates. It is very sharp, and in their natural habitat, it is used to protect them from their enemies. Males tend to have brighter colors and larger tails with an exaggerated V shape. Clown loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) This is among the largest of the botiid species, to 30cm/11.8”, so plan your tank accordingly — especially since it is best to keep three or more individuals. If you've ever seen a school of clown loaches, it's hard to resist bringing a few of them home. By choosing the right plants you will give your fish access to dark corners they will love. This loach prefers waterways that are shaded by leafy plants and lined with plant detritus such as fallen leaves, twigs, and branches. Originally found in Indonesia, their unique appearance is what drew the attention to them. Get it free when you sign up for the Spruce Pets. One option for this is to feed them slices of squash, zucchini, or potato that has been microwaved for at least twenty seconds. Clown loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) This is among the largest of the botiid species, to 30cm/11.8”, so plan your tank accordingly — especially since it is best to keep three or more individuals. To watch your loach at play during waking hours, consider installing a blue "moonlight" tube or another form of bluish lighting, which will encourage your fish to come out to hunt. Diet of Clown Loach. Regardless of how bright they may be, every fish has three black bands. question 2: in my 30/40l tank, I have a bunch of fish and the 2 types I've noticed doing the following was harlequins and lemon tetras. The clown loach has a movable spine present below the eyes that can be extended to inflict a painful sting (though non-venomous). You can enjoy watching the fish on the day when it is most active. It is known for having an orange color with three black bars on its body. To keep them in good health it is important to include quality fish food as a staple. Sexual dimorphism: Mature fish deepen considerably and females tend to be bulkier. Clown Loaches can live up to 20 years in the wild, but in captivity, they generally live up to 10 years. Because they prefer to live in groups, it's wise to keep four or more in a tank. Clown Loaches are shy fish and benefit from having live plants and river rocks in the aquarium to hide amongst. 5 Loaches’ Eye Knives. As a result, very little information is known about their breeding habits and needs. Find Black Kuhli loaches for sale at your local PetSmart store! It has two wide black V-shaped stripes along the sides of its body and a third black stripe running vertically through its eye. Tank lighting should be subdued, and the substrate should be soft and sandy. They thrive in schools and tend to be found foraging through the substrate of their habitat, whether that be in the wild or an aquarium. Providing the right living conditions helps in extending their lifespan in captivity. Your Clown loach looks great to me. Are there any signs to look for to know if your clown loach is sick? The right kind of lighting can be achieved by adding in a variety of floating plants, like Java Moss, Hornwort, Water Spangles, or Riccia Fluitans. Natural Habitat, Identification, and Where to Buy, Physiological Considerations for Clown Loach, Gender, Breeding, and Reproductive Considerations, Common Diseases and How to Avoid and Treat Them. Whichever plants you choose, it is important to incorporate a variety of them. Before dealing with a clown loach, you should know that clown loaches have a movable spine that is located right underneath their eyes. Clown loaches have scales, despite some rumors! Low lighting, at least than 1 watt per gallon space, Fragile décor items, sharp items with jagged edges that could snag your loaches’ tails or fins. These plants will act as a place for the fish to hide and provide shade. After planting your plants, you can add a variety of rocks, caves, and driftwood to provide additional places for your fish. Matt is a web designer by day and a long-time fishkeeper by night. In gener Clown loaches are tropical freshwater fish, belonging to the botiid loach family. This fish is known to have pointy spines which are located right below the eyes. These fish can live up to ten years and can easily be purchased from local pet stores. Specifics to consider feeding your clown loach include: Beware that clown loaches especially love to snack on snails, so don’t bother to attempt keeping them together in the same fish tank – unless you mean for the snails to become dinner! Some of the best plants for making your Clown Loaches include Hornwort, Java Moss, Anubias, Water Spangles, Amazon Sword, and Riccia Fluitans. They’re very playful, colorful fish that liven up just about any aquarium, and happen to be moderately easy to care for, assuming you’ve had at least some experience or have done quite a bit of research before stocking them in your fish tank. The spine can pierce another fish but is not venomous. Its peaceful nature makes it an ideal candidate for a community tank. But careless fish keepers scooping up loaches may get a little more than they bargained for in the form of nasty cuts. Group difficult to breed within captivity and even expert fish keepers can it... By the tail, which lies in a tank over 6 feet long that I can house a of! Originally found in Indonesia, their unique appearance is what drew the attention to them especially at risk for called... Fish or plants are added to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Borneo a of! 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