View Full Version: Common Clown Loach Questions

Tropical Fish Forums > Cyprinids > Common Clown Loach Questions



Title: Common Clown Loach Questions
Description: Would a mod please pin this


LoachLover - April 17, 2005 05:24 PM (GMT)
I'm not sure if this is in the right spot, but I figure what the heck.







Clown loaches should be kept in groups of at least 3 preferably 4+. Minimum size tank would be a standard 55 gallon tank, which is about


48" wide
12" depth
20" tall

Even then they probably will outgrow that tank in a few years. Clown loaches grwo pretty fast up to 6", but after that they grow VERY slow. They are supposidly supposed to have problem with ich, but I have been keeping them for years and have never had one get it. If they have good water conditions they are generally a pretty hardy fish, I've only had one die and that was due to my great cousin and a bar of soap, but we won't go into that.
Generally they will do fine on a flake diet but like us they like to have treats too, I will sometimes feed....

Small snails
Cucumber
Zucchini
Brine Shrimp (frozen or live)
Algae Wafers


Zucchini is better for them than Cucumber, but not everybody has a spare Zucchini around, I know I don't I have to actually buy them just for my fish since I personally don't care for them.
When you go to buy a clown loach try to buy the largest one (unless it's like a giant 12" or something) because they are usually a dominant fish making them generally healthier. It's ok to buy the smaller ones but be warned their survival rate is much lower.
Another things that will alarm a lot of newbie loach owners is the clown loaches playing dead routine. They will sometimes just rest on their side, coming as quite a shock at times. But they are just being their clowny self and are probably ok.

My fist loach was a clown loach and I've been hooked ever since, they are a great fish to have. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me, I'll do my best to help you.

Punkypuffer - April 17, 2005 05:30 PM (GMT)
this topic should be in "catfish and bottom dwellers"

LoachLover - April 18, 2005 12:42 AM (GMT)
No it actually shouldn't because if you read the section description it says "Loaches".

The loach is also in the group of Cyprinids I believe.

Vip - April 18, 2005 04:54 AM (GMT)
Good posting LL, i will pin this for you now.

Punkypuffer - April 18, 2005 05:36 AM (GMT)
ah, wasn't paying attention!




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