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Basics

Scientific Name: Botia macracantha ; Chromobotia macracanthus

Family: Cobitidae

Origin: Indonesia, Borneo, Sumatra

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Lifespan: 20 years or longer
• Water Conditions: 72-86° F, KH 8-12, pH 6.0-7.5
• Maximum Size: 12"
• Diet: Omnivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

Overview

The Clown Loach is a popular species due to its entertaining behavior and peaceful nature. They have a yellow-brown base color with three thick black bands along the body and bright orange or red fins. Their mouths face downward and are surrounded by a few barbels.

While they are not a truly nocturnal loach in that they will be active during the day, they still appreciate plenty of dark hiding places made with rockwork, driftwood, live plants or a combination of all three. The tank should also have low, subdued lighting. A soft, fine substrate is preferable. They will be peaceful with most tankmates and make a good community fish. They will be happiest in a small school of at least four. Extra care should be taken to avoid ich outbreaks, as Clown Loaches are much more susceptible to ich than most fish. 

They should be fed bottom feeder wafer formulations, herbivore flakes or pellets and should also be supplemented with live and frozen meaty foods like bloodworms and tubifex.