Chromobotia macracanthus
| Common Names: | Clown Loach |
| Synonyms: | Botia macracanthus Cobitis macracanthus |
| Family: | Cobitidae |
| Category: | Catfish_Bottom_Feeders |
| Distribution: | Asia; Indonesia and Borneo. |
| Main Ecosystem: | River; River |
| Temperament: | Schooling; Peaceful and active. Excellent for community tanks. The Clown Loach has a strange habit of schooling with other fish of similar colours such as the Tiger Barb. |
| Diet: | Ominvore; Ominvore |
| Care: | Feed with flakes, worms, or freeze dried tablets. They cannot resist bloodworms. Easy to keep. |
| pH: |
|
| Temperature: |
|
| Hardness: |
|
| Potential Size: | Male: 30cm (11.8") Female: 30cm (11.8") |
| Water Region: | Bottom; Bottom |
| Activity: | Nocturnal; Nocturnal |
| Gender: | Hard to determine. |
| Breeding: | Has been bred in aquariums but it is extremely difficult. |
| Variants: |
| Comments: | This species is e to White Spot. When netting the Clown Loach, be careful of the movable spines underneath their eyes. Best kept in groups of six or more, as they are shoaling fish. Don't worry if the Clown Loach lies on its side, it is just their nature to do so. This fish is a scaleless fish, meaning it has more of a 'thick skin' rather than 'true scales'. Due to this, the Clown Loach is very sensitive to chemicals (such as algae-killers, medications, pH alterers, etc.) and their use should be avoided if possible. If the Clown Loach becomes sick and use of medications is necessary, it is generally recommended to administer them at half-strength. Clown Loaches can exhibit a variety of different patterns besides the common three striped form. There are four striped, jigsaw piece, and spotted Clown Loaches. Clown Loaches can and will fit into tiny spaces when hiding make sure you check any rocks or decorations carefully before removing from your tank. |
| Main Colours: | Black, Orange, Red |
| Markings: | Striped Vertical |
| Mouth: | Downturned |
| Tail: | Forked |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | © FishProfiles.com |
| Submitted By: | Adam |
| Contributors: | Fallout, Natalie, ckk125, clownloachfan, HelenC |
| History: | View changes to this profile |
| Edit Profile: |