From Aqua Guide, the free encyclopedia
Clown Loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
- Temperature
- 24–30 °C
- pH
- 5 – 7
- Min. tank size
- 648 L
- Lifespan
- 20 years
- Diet
- omnivore
- Care level
- moderate
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Chromobotia macracanthus |
| Family: | Botiidae |
| Origin: | Southeast Asia (Borneo and Sumatra, Indonesia) |
| Care Characteristics | |
| Care Level: | moderate |
| Diet: | omnivore |
| Max Size: | 40.00 cm |
| Water Type: | freshwater |
| Temp Group: | tropical |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Group: | 6+ together |
| Varieties: | No cultivated strains — this is a wild-type fish and it has stayed that way, which is unusual for something this widely traded. There is real geographic variation, though. Bornean and Sumatran populations show distinct differences in patterning and in adult size, and both are exported. Bornean fish are generally described as having black rather than red-orange pelvic fins, and the two populations are occasionally offered separately by specialist importers, though most shop stock is unlabelled. Albino and so-called "golden" clown loaches appear occasionally at high prices. They are rare line-bred or naturally occurring colour anomalies rather than an established strain. Almost all clown loaches in the trade are either wild-caught or produced commercially by hormone-induced spawning; there is no hobbyist-bred supply. If you want the behaviour without the size, the other botiids are worth considering. Yoyo loaches, zebra loaches, polka dot loaches and dwarf chain loaches all shoal, play and click in the same way at 6–15 cm rather than 40, and all of them fit in a tank a normal household can accommodate. |
| Lifespan: | 20 years |
Quick Tips
- Bioload:High
- Min Tank:648 L
- Substrate:Soft sand; many caves and hiding spots
- Plant Safe:Plant-safe (may dig)
- Filtration:High (strong filtration and oxygenation)
Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is a species of fish in the family Botiidae. It is native to Southeast Asia (Borneo and Sumatra, Indonesia). The clown loach is sold at 5 cm and reaches 40 cm. Almost everything that goes wrong with this fish follows from that gap. It comes from Borneo and Sumatra, and it is unmistakable: a deep orange body crossed by three broad black bands, red fins, and a pair of sharp sub-ocular spines that flick out below the eye. Specialists put it plainly — the species is wholly unsuitable for smaller aquaria despite its ubiquitous availability. Maximum standard length is 400 mm, the recommended minimum tank is 180 × 60 cm at around 648 litres, and most aquarium specimens never reach their potential because they are never given the room. Properly kept, it lives in excess of twenty years. That is a longer commitment than a dog. It is also one of the most engaging fish in the hobby: social, playful, audibly clicking, and given to lying on its side in a way that convinces every new keeper it has died.
Compatibility
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Keep in
- Groups of 6+
- Swims
- bottom
- Fin nipper
- No
- Delicate fins
- No
Species similar to Clown Loach
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