Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) - 1.25" - Live Fish

The Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is a striking and highly popular freshwater fish that originates from the slow-moving rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Borneo. Known for its vibrant colors, playful nature, and distinctive appearance, the Clown Loach is a favorite among aquarists. It is particularly admired for its sociable behavior and its ability to add energy and interest to community aquariums.

Size: Clown Loaches are relatively large for loaches and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length in an aquarium, although they may reach even greater sizes in the wild. Typically, they grow around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in a home aquarium, but they are slow-growers, so it may take several years to reach full size.
Body Shape: The Clown Loach has a streamlined, elongated body with a cylindrical shape that tapers at the tail. Its most distinctive feature is its large, triangular pectoral fins, which help the fish maintain balance and maneuver quickly. The fish's body is relatively deep and robust, giving it a slightly stocky appearance for such an active species.
Coloration: The Clown Loach is known for its bold and colorful pattern. Its body is mostly orange or golden, accented by three to five black vertical stripes that run from the top of the head to the tail. These dark stripes, combined with its bright body, give the fish a striking and "clownish" appearance. As the Clown Loach matures, its stripes tend to become more defined, and its body color can intensify.
Barbels: The Clown Loach has long, sensitive barbels (whisker-like extensions) near its mouth that it uses to explore the substrate and search for food. These barbels are highly sensitive and help the fish locate small invertebrates in the wild.

Temperament: Clown Loaches are peaceful, social fish that do best in groups. They are highly gregarious and thrive when kept in schools of at least three or more individuals. In a group, they are more active, engaging in playful behaviors such as chasing, darting, and hiding together. Though they are generally peaceful, they can be territorial with other loaches or fish, particularly in smaller spaces.
Habitat: In their natural habitat, Clown Loaches are found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and floodplains with dense vegetation, submerged logs, and rocky crevices. In aquariums, they prefer a well-planted environment with plenty of hiding spaces, such as caves, driftwood, and rocks. A soft substrate like sand is best to protect their delicate barbels from damage.
Diet: Clown Loaches are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates, worms, and detritus. In captivity, they accept a variety of foods, including high-quality pellets, flakes, live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia, and vegetables like blanched spinach, zucchini, or peas. Clown Loaches are also known to help control snail populations in aquariums, making them a useful addition to tanks with snail problems.
Nocturnal Behavior: While Clown Loaches are typically active during the day, they are most active in the early morning and late evening, particularly when the tank lights are dimmed or turned off. They are more likely to explore, forage, and interact with other fish during these times.

Lifespan and Growth:
Clown Loaches have a relatively long lifespan, often living 10 to 15 years or more in captivity when provided with the right care. They grow slowly over time, and due to their large size, they require spacious tanks to reach their full potential. With proper diet, water conditions, and social interactions, they can live a long and healthy life.

Water Conditions: Clown Loaches thrive in warm water with a temperature range of 75°F to 86°F (24°C to 30°C). The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5), and the water should be clean and well-filtered. Regular water changes are crucial to maintain water quality, as Clown Loaches are sensitive to poor water conditions, particularly high levels of ammonia or nitrites.
Tank Setup: A well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots is ideal for Clown Loaches. Substrate should be smooth and soft, like sand, to prevent damage to their sensitive barbels. Adding driftwood, rocks, and plants will provide hiding places and help mimic their natural environment. A gentle filtration system is also recommended to avoid disturbing the substrate or stressing the fish.
Tankmates: Clown Loaches are generally peaceful, but they do best when kept with other similarly sized, non-aggressive species. They can live with other peaceful community fish like tetras, barbs, or cichlids. They should not be housed with small or aggressive species, as they may become stressed or bullied. Clown Loaches also do well in groups of their own kind, and having multiple individuals helps reduce stress and encourages natural behaviors.