Clown Loach (4-6cm)

Clown Loach Care Guide

Tank Size:

• Juveniles can start in a 200L (55-gallon) tank, but adults need at least 400–500L (100–125+ gallons) as they can grow up to 30 cm (12 inches).

• Best kept in groups of 5 or more, as they are highly social and become stressed if kept alone.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24–30°C (75–86°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

Diet:

• Omnivorous – feed a varied diet of sinking pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp), and fresh vegetables like cucumber or zucchini.

• They love snails, making them great for natural pest control.

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to protect their delicate barbels.

• Décor: Provide plenty of caves, driftwood, and hiding places, as they are shy during the day and more active at night.

• Lighting: Moderate to low.

• Water Flow: They enjoy a moderate current, similar to their river habitats in Indonesia.

Behavior:

• Very peaceful but can be playful.

• They form social hierarchies within their groups and often “click” or “chirp” sounds when excited or during feeding.

✨ Interesting Fact:
Clown loaches sometimes lie on their sides as if they are “dead,” which can be alarming to new owners. This is completely normal behavior and often referred to as “playing dead.”