Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) Bred in SA

Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus)

The Clown Loach is a vibrant, social freshwater fish known for its striking orange body with bold black bands and red-tipped fins. Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, this peaceful and lively bottom-dweller thrives in groups and is a favorite among aquarists for its playful nature and attractive appearance. Due to their large size and long lifespan, they are best suited for spacious aquariums with committed care.

Natural Habitat

Clown Loaches are found in slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and streams in Borneo and Sumatra. These habitats are warm, soft, and slightly acidic, with sandy substrates and dense vegetation.

Aquarium Care

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 200 liters for a small group of juveniles; 500 liters or more for adults.
• Water Temperature: 25–30°C.
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5.
• Water Hardness: 5–12 dGH (soft to moderately hard water).
• Filtration: Strong filtration and moderate water flow are necessary to maintain clean water.

Aquascaping

• Substrate: Soft sand or smooth gravel to protect their sensitive barbels.
• Decor: Include driftwood, caves, and rocks for hiding spots and territorial boundaries.
• Plants: Use hardy species like Java Fern, Anubias, or Amazon Swords. Floating plants can help create shaded areas.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is ideal.

Tank Mates

Clown Loaches are peaceful and do well in community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Suitable tank mates include:

• Other loaches or bottom-dwellers like Yoyo Loaches or Plecos.
• Mid-level fish such as tetras, barbs, or gouramis.
• Avoid aggressive or territorial fish that may stress them.

Feeding

Clown Loaches are omnivorous and require a varied diet:

• Staple Foods: High-quality sinking pellets or wafers designed for bottom-dwellers.
• Protein: Live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
• Vegetable Matter: Offer blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, or spirulina-based foods.
  Feed 1–2 times daily, ensuring all individuals receive enough food.

Behavior and Personality

• Activity: Clown Loaches are highly active and playful, often seen exploring the tank or interacting with each other.
• Social Behavior: They are schooling fish and thrive in groups of 5 or more. Solo individuals may become shy or stressed.
• Unique Traits: Known for their “clicking” sounds during feeding or social interactions and their habit of lying on their sides when resting, which can look alarming to new aquarists.

Breeding

Breeding Clown Loaches in home aquariums is rare and typically only occurs in large setups with specific conditions.

Sexing

• Males: Slightly smaller with a more pronounced inward curve on the tail fin.
• Females: Larger and rounder, especially when carrying eggs.

Breeding Tank Setup

• Use a large, well-maintained tank with plenty of hiding spots and soft, slightly acidic water.
• Gradually increase temperature to 28–30°C to simulate breeding conditions.

Spawning Process

• Spawning is uncommon and often requires hormone treatments in captivity.
• Eggs, if laid, are scattered among plants or substrate.

Fry Care

• If successful, feed fry infusoria or finely powdered fry food until they can accept baby brine shrimp.

Key Notes

• Lifespan: Clown Loaches can live 15–20 years with proper care, so they require long-term commitment.
• Tank Maintenance: Maintain excellent water quality with regular water changes, as they are sensitive to poor conditions.
• Snail Eaters: Clown Loaches are natural snail predators and can help control snail populations in the tank.
• Size: While juveniles are small and manageable, adults can grow up to 30 cm (12 inches), requiring large tanks.

The Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is a delightful, interactive species that adds vibrancy and personality to large aquariums. Their active behavior, beautiful markings, and social nature make them a favorite among hobbyists who can meet their space and care requirements.