Clown Loach

Chromobotia macracanthus

Playful, social and clicky – clown loaches "sleep" on their sides and are famous snail hunters.

A peaceful freshwater fish that grows to 20 cm, lives near the bottom in groups of 3 or more and needs 25–30 °C, pH 6.0–7.5 and an aquarium of at least 250 L.

Care at a glance

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

25–30 °C (77–86 °F)

pH

6.0–7.5

Adult size

20 cm (7.9 in)

Aquarium

250 L or bigger (66 US gal)

Temperament

Peaceful

Group size

3 or more

Swims

Bottom

Diet

Omnivore

Wild home

Rivers of Sumatra & Borneo

Good to know

• Eats invertebrates. Hunts shrimp, snails and crabs.
• Shy. Stressed without plants, rocks or caves to hide in.

Tank mates

Good company: Angelfish, Bala Shark, Boesemani Rainbowfish, Congo Tetra, Discus, Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish, Pearl Gourami, Rummy-Nose Tetra, Silver Dollar, Swordtail.

Will eat: Amano Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp, Mystery Snail, Neocaridina Shrimp, Nerite Snail.

Eaten by: Asian Arowana, Motoro Stingray.

Attacked by: Black Ghost Knifefish, Flowerhorn, Jack Dempsey.

Eats the newborn fry of: Betta, Black Skirt Tetra, Bloodfin Tetra, Cardinal Tetra, Celestial Pearl Danio, Cherry Barb, Chili Rasbora, Dwarf Gourami, Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish, Ember Tetra, Endler's Livebearer, Fancy Guppy and 12 more.

Colours

• Classic rare

The care values are the ones Aquarius uses, based on how these animals live. Tank mates follow the game's rules: water type, temperature and pH, who can swallow whom, fin nipping, temperament and territory.