🎭 Clown Loach Care Guide (Chromobotia macracanthus)
🌟 Overview The Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is a lively, social freshwater fish beloved for its striking orange body with bold black stripes. Native to rivers in Indonesia, these loaches are peaceful schooling fish that thrive in large community aquariums. With their playful behavior, long lifespans, and unique personalities, Clown Loaches are a favorite among aquarists prepared to meet their space requirements.
🔑 Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Chromobotia macracanthus
- Common Name: Clown Loach
- Origin: Indonesia (Borneo & Sumatra)
- Size: 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) in aquariums (larger in the wild)
- Lifespan: 15–20 years (long-lived with proper care)
- Temperament: Peaceful, social schooling fish
- Care Level: Moderate to Advanced
🏠 Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (larger for groups of adults)
- Water Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Hardness: 5–12 dGH
- Substrate: Soft sand or smooth gravel
- Aquascape: Provide driftwood, caves, and plants for hiding spots
- School Size: Keep in groups of 5 or more for natural behavior
🍽️ Diet
Clown Loaches are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet:
- High-quality sinking pellets and wafers
- Frozen/live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, blackworms
- Blanched vegetables: cucumber, zucchini, peas
- Occasional snails or crustaceans for enrichment
🧑🤝🧑 Tank Mates
- Ideal with other peaceful community fish: tetras, barbs, rainbowfish, gouramis
- Compatible with bottom dwellers like corydoras and plecos
- Avoid small shrimp (may be eaten) or highly aggressive cichlids
🧠 Behavior & Tips
- Highly social — must be kept in groups of at least 5
- Can be shy at first but become more active in large groups
- Known for quirky behavior like lying on their sides (not always a sign of illness)
- Sensitive to poor water quality — need strong filtration and regular water changes
- Grow large → plan for a big tank as they mature
❓ FAQ
Q: How big do Clown Loaches get?
A: In home aquariums, they typically reach 8–12 inches, though they can grow larger in the wild.
Q: Are Clown Loaches beginner-friendly?
A: They’re hardy but require large tanks, long-term care, and group housing — best for intermediate keepers.
Q: Do Clown Loaches eat snails?
A: Yes, they naturally eat small snails and can help control pest snail populations.
Q: How long do they live?
A: With good care, Clown Loaches can live 15–20 years or longer.
