What can you tell me about loaches?

Which ones can tolorate warm water?
Are there any that will get too big for a 55gal tank?
Will they attack other fish?
Which other fish are known for attacking them?
Will they do OK without fresh foods?
Are any types known for being escape artists?
How many types could I have in a 55 in schools of 4-6 each?(with other fish)
Are any fish not compatable with them?
Should they be some of the first or last fish added to the tank?


I have read that they like a sandy bottom and are more comfortable if they have companions of their own kind. I like the clowns, and horsefaced, but am interested in any brightly colored versions.

Any information you can give me will be appreciated.

There are many different types of loaches, from quiet ones, to evil ones. Some get 2", others can reach over 1 foot. I don't keep many loaches (2 skunks that I never see) so I can't give you too much info, sorry

Ive only ever kept weather loach and orange finned loach both are great fish and have never given me any probs but the weather loach can reach 12in long.


Theres all the info you need here http://www.loaches.com/

What are you going to keep in the tank with them? I have quite the array of loaches.
Kuhuli,clown,skunk,royal,yoyo,dojo,butterfly. The skunk loaches are mean little bastards, they don't do hardly any damage to the fish they just chase them around, and make this wierd popping sound. Kind of sounds like your tank cracking. Skunks only get about 3 inches. The clown loaches get quite large about 12 inches, and are pretty dosile. Royal, and Yoyo, are dosile, and get about 6". Kuhuli loaches are small, and hide alot, they will get about 4" but are slender like a pencil. Butterfly loaches are dosile, spend most of the time sucking to a rock or the glass. They only get about 3 inches. Dojo loaches will get about 6 inches, are dosile, and are also slender like a pencil. As far as water conditions loaches are actually really hardy fish. They butterfly are the most sensitive. Most loaches are dosile and won't attack you other fish. They don't really have the mouth to do damage anyway. Other fish don't usually bother them because they hide quickly, and spend a majority of their time on the bottom. I keep my loaches with african cichlids, and my oddball preditors. The clown loach takes a long time to reach it's maturity. You should be ok having them in a 55 for a few years. Hopefully this helps you out a little. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

That's part of my problem, I can't decide what I want :laugh:

I know that I want vibrant colors, and semi to non agressive (I don't want the fish killing each other, I do expect some fry to be eaten). I am thinking about a community tank but not the usual, IMO boring fish. (I hate neons)

I have decided that I want some Endlers, and sharks, and possibly some small, non agressive cichlids, maybe a couple of angels.

I will be using rock and driftwood as well as plants, I also want a lot of water movement.

This whole thing is driving me :crazy: :banghead:

The more I research on line the more confused I get :laugh: and the more I think that I need 10 tanks instead of one, but I know that aint gonna happen :laugh:

Any stocking suggestions are very welcome.

If I got 3 each of Kuhli, Clown and YOYO loaches would the different species interact together, and would they be ok in my 55gal? Will the clowns get too big for my tank?

Wayne, thanks for the link!