Clown Loach

Clown Loach: When you understand the qualities of the clown loach, you will be left wondering if it is a saint or a fish! A marvelously well-adjusted fish, it makes a delightful companion to the aquarist. If you've ever seen a school of clown loaches, it's hard to resist bringing a couple of them home. Fortunately for the clown loach, among aquarium enthusiasts it's a staple in the community tank rather than on the dining table. It’s orange and black striped body, red fins, and active behavior has made it one of the most popular loaches.

Habitat/Care: Unlike many loaches that are only active at night, the clown loach is very active during the daytime hours. Peaceful with its own and other species, it prefers to have companions with which it will form a school. Water quality is critical for keeping clown loaches healthy. Care should be taken to keep water very clean, well aerated, and warm.

Food: Clowns will accept a wide variety of dry and live foods, but their preference is for live foods.. especially worms. Even earthworms can be fed to them, as long as you harvest the worms from soil that hasn't been fertilized recently.

Aquarium Care: Loaches are particularly prone to ick infestations, and should be watched closely whenever new fish or plants are added to the tank. If you do encounter a health problem in your clownloach,remember that they are very sensitive to some medications. Often dosages must be cut in half to be safe. Read product information carefully before treating your loach!Virtually all non-aggressive fish are suitable as tankmates for clown loaches. Because they prefer to live in schools, it's wise to keep three or more in a group

Other Facts: Males can be identified by the tail, which is larger and hooks inward rather than pointing straight out from the body. Females are smaller and more slender. The Clown Loach can reach a length of 12 inches ( 30 cm ), but is usually smaller in the home aquarium. Clown loaches have no special requirements on water conditions, they do however prefer a certain aquarium setup to be at their best. A tank size of 48 inches (120 cm ) with the length being more important than the depth. It is very important to have a soft or fine textured substrate as they are continually probing the upper layers with their barbels for food. The tank does not need to be heavily planted, but the fish are shy and must have a place to hide - driftwood - caves - or even a clay flowerpot. The lighting in the tank should not be overly bright. Clown loaches are happiest living in small groups and will live peacefully with all other fish. Sometimes they will form small troops with members of the Corydoras family. Feeding is not difficult as they will accept all prepared foods and like all fish relish the addition of live foods especially small worms. The addition of a plant supplement is also beneficial. Clown loaches once established can live a very long time.