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Clown Loach

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Chromobotia macracanthus

Complete Clown Loach care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 55 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Advanced.

Clown Loach

Quick Answer

Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 55 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. This omnivore occupies the bottom zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their peaceful nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the bottom levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

Clown Loach requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 55 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 22-26°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 6.5 - 7.5 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a omnivore, the Clown Loach is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

Clown Loach has a peaceful temperament. They are schooling fish and MUST be kept in a group of at least 4 individuals to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: None.

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Tank Position
Bottom
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Butterflyfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet semanticSimilarity African Cichlid Care Guide: Tank Size & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity Bala Shark Care Guide: Tank Size & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Clown Loaches should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum group of 6 to 8 individuals in a tank of at least 125 gallons (473 liters) with a footprint of 72x18 inches (180x45 cm). Clown loaches (Chromobotia macracanthus) grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) and form complex social hierarchies. Groups under 5 cause severe stress, hiding, and stunted growth. A school of 10+ displays natural playful behavior and reduces aggression. Provide multiple hiding spots (PVC pipes, caves) and smooth sand substrate. Tank length must exceed 6 feet (180 cm) for their size. Avoid keeping with small invertebrates (snails) as they will consume them.
What are the exact water parameters for Clown Loaches?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 5 - 12 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 4 - 10 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 150 - 350 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 300 - 700 μS/cm, and temperature 78°F - 86°F (25.5°C - 30°C). They require warm, pristine water; low temperatures (below 75°F/24°C) cause ich susceptibility. Maintain nitrates below 15 ppm with weekly 30% water changes. Use a powerful canister filter (10x turnover) and high aeration. Add driftwood and smooth rocks. They are scaleless; avoid copper-based medications and salt.
What is the nutritional and medication protocol for Clown Loaches?
They are omnivores with a preference for snails and protein. Feed sinking pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, chopped earthworms, and blanched vegetables daily. Offer snail feeders (ramshorn, bladder snails) to wear down their teeth. Medication alert: Extremely sensitive to copper (0.05 mg/L lethal) and formalin. Scaleless; use malachite green at quarter dose (0.025 mg/L). Praziquantel is safe for internal parasites. Avoid salt (tolerance <2 ppt). Quarantine with metronidazole at half-strength. They are prone to skinny disease; treat with levamisole.
How to breed Clown Loaches in captivity?
Breeding is extremely rare and requires large systems (500+ gallons/1900 liters) with hormonal induction. Commercial breeders use injected hormones and simulated monsoon conditions. To attempt, condition 6+ adults (8+ inches/20 cm) with high-protein foods for 6 months. Simulate dry season: Lower water level to 12 inches (30 cm) for 4 weeks. Trigger rainy season: Refill with cool (68°F/20°C) soft water over 12 hours, increase current. They are egg-scatterers; 10,000-30,000 eggs hatch in 24-36 hours. Fry require green water and rotifers. Not feasible for home aquariums.

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