Clown Loach Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know
The Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby, known for its vibrant orange-and-black stripes and playful personality. Native to the rivers of Indonesia, these fish can live for decades and grow up to 12 inches in length with proper care. In this guide, we'll walk you through all the essentials to ensure your Clown Loach thrives in your aquarium.
Quick Facts
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Scientific Name: Chromobotia macracanthus
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Common Name: Clown Loach
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Origin: Indonesia (Sumatra and Borneo)
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Lifespan: 10–20 years (with proper care)
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Adult Size: Up to 12 inches
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Temperament: Peaceful and social
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Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
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Diet: Omnivore
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Water Temperature: 77–86°F (25–30°C)
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pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Tank Setup
Tank Size & Grouping
Clown Loaches are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 5. Because of their potential size, a 75-gallon tank is the bare minimum for juveniles, but larger tanks (125+ gallons) are ideal for adults.
Substrate & Decorations
A sandy or fine gravel substrate is best, as they like to dig. Include plenty of hiding places with caves, driftwood, and dense plants. Loaches are shy and will retreat when startled.
Filtration & Water Movement
They require clean, well-oxygenated water with moderate current. Use a high-quality canister filter and perform regular water changes (25–30% weekly).
Lighting
Moderate lighting is preferred. Too-bright lights can stress them, so use floating plants or dim lighting if possible.
Diet & Feeding
Clown Loaches are omnivores with a hearty appetite. Offer a varied diet to ensure balanced nutrition:
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High-quality sinking pellets
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Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp)
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Fresh vegetables (blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach)
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Occasional snails (helps control snail populations)
Feed 1–2 times daily and remove any uneaten food after 10 minutes to maintain water quality.
Behavior & Tank Mates
Clown Loaches are peaceful and playful but may be shy in new environments. They often engage in unique behaviors like “loach dancing” and laying on their sides (which can alarm new keepers but is normal).
Good tank mates include:
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Tetras
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Rasboras
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Gouramis
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Corydoras
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Angelfish (if tank is large enough)
Avoid aggressive or overly small fish that might be intimidated or eaten.
Common Health Issues
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Ich (White Spot Disease): Clown Loaches are especially prone. Maintain high water quality and quarantine new fish.
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Skinny Disease (Nematode infection): Look for rapid weight loss despite eating. Treat with antiparasitics like Levamisole.
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Stress: Caused by poor water conditions, overcrowding, or aggressive tank mates.
Prevention is best: maintain excellent water quality, provide hiding places, and avoid sudden changes in temperature or pH.
