Clown Loach

The Clown Loach is one of the most popular and recognizable loaches in the aquarium hobby, famous for their bright orange and black striped pattern and entertaining behaviors. Native to Indonesia, these fish are often sold as small 2-3 inch juveniles, but they grow to 12-16 inches and require very large tanks. They are peaceful, social fish that must be kept in groups of 5+ and are known for clicking sounds, playing dead, and eating snails. Unfortunately, many aquarists cannot provide the space these fish need as adults.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Clown Loaches need VERY large tanks as adults.

Essential Setup:

• 75 gallons minimum for juveniles
• 125+ gallons for adults
• 6-foot length preferred
• Soft substrate (sand)
• Hiding spots: Caves, driftwood
• Strong filtration
• Temperature 77-86°F (warmer than most tropical)

Water Quality

• Temperature: 77-86°F (25-30°C) - warmer than most fish
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (3-12 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

Omnivores that love snails:

• Sinking pellets or wafers
• Frozen foods
• Snails: Natural food, excellent for pest snail control
• Vegetables

Feeding Schedule: 2-3 times daily. Large fish need substantial food.

Size Warning

CRITICAL:

• Sold as: 2-3 inch babies
• Adult size: 12-16 inches
• Need: 125+ gallon tanks as adults
• Most common mistake: Housing in tanks too small

Behavior & Compatibility

Peaceful but very large:

• Schooling: MUST keep 5+ for natural behavior
• Peaceful: Won’t harm other fish
• Active: Constant movement
• Playful: Known for “playing dead”
• Clicking: Make clicking sounds

Good Tank Mates:

• Large rainbowfish
• Giant danios
• Large tetras
• Large gouramis
• Other robust community fish

Avoid:

• Small fish (under 3 inches)
• Small tanks
• Aggressive fish

Special Behaviors

• Playing dead: Lie on side (normal behavior)
• Clicking: Audible clicking sounds
• Snail eating: Excellent for controlling pest snails
• Active: Constantly moving in groups
• Ich prone: Very susceptible to ich

Health Concerns

• Ich: Extremely prone to white spot disease
• Quarantine: Essential before adding to tank
• Size-related issues: Need space to thrive

Conservation Status

• Endangered in wild: IUCN Red List
• Overfished: For aquarium trade
• Buy captive bred: When possible

Breeding

Rarely bred in captivity:

• Hormone-induced in commercial operations
• Not bred by hobbyists

Alternative for Smaller Tanks

Consider:

• Yoyo Loach: 5-6 inches max
• Zebra Loach: 3-4 inches
• Dwarf Chain Loach: 2 inches

Tips for Success

• Plan for 12-16 inch adult size
• Keep in groups of 5+
• Warmer water than most fish (80°F+ ideal)
• Provide 125+ gallons for adults
• Quarantine (ich prone)
• Entertaining but demanding fish