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peacefulBottom dweller

Clown Loach Care Sheet

Chromobotia macracanthus

The king of loaches — playful, social, and with distinct tiger-like stripes. Clown loaches are beloved for their personality but grow large and need big tanks long-term.

Temperature

77–86°F

pH Range

6–7.5

Min Tank Size

75 gallons

Lifespan

15–25 years

Adult Size

8–12 inches (20–30 cm) — grows slowly but eventually large

Group Size

5+ (highly social — never keep fewer than 3)

Breeding

Extremely difficult in captivity. Rarely breeds in home aquariums. Commercial breeding uses hormone injections.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivore — sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, snails (natural snail control!), vegetables, live foods. They love eating snails.

Natural Habitat

Native to rivers in Borneo and Sumatra, Indonesia. Found in flowing water with sandy substrates and submerged wood.

Care Tips

Will grow LARGE (12 inches) — plan for 75+ gallon tank long-term

Best natural snail control — they devour pest snails

Extremely sensitive to ich medication — use half doses only

Love to play dead (lie on their side) — this is normal behavior, not illness

Nocturnal but become more active during the day in groups of 5+

Tank-Mate Compatibility

Compatible Species (20)

Compatible

Neon Tetra

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Guppy

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Corydoras

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Molly

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Platy

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Swordtail

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Cherry Barb

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Harlequin Rasbora

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Dwarf Gourami

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Bristlenose Pleco

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Otocinclus

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Cherry Shrimp

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Amano Shrimp

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Nerite Snail

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Mystery Snail

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Tiger Barb

Classic pairing. Clown loaches are too large and fast for tiger barbs to bother.

Compatible

Danio

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Rainbowfish

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Goldfish

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Compatible

Catfish

Both peaceful species, generally compatible.

Use Caution (6)

Caution

Betta

Semi-aggressive species — monitor for aggression.

Caution

Angelfish

Semi-aggressive species — monitor for aggression.

Caution

African Cichlid

Semi-aggressive species — monitor for aggression.

Caution

American Cichlid

Semi-aggressive species — monitor for aggression.

Caution

Knifefish

Semi-aggressive species — monitor for aggression.

Caution

Puffer

Semi-aggressive species — monitor for aggression.