Clown Loach

Chromobotia macracanthus

Clown Loach is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish.

PeacefulBottom dwellerAdvanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
25–30.5 cm (9.8–12 in)
Aquarium size
600 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length
Care level
Advanced
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Bottom dweller
Temperature
25–30 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
2–12 dGH
KH
1–8 dKH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
15–25 years

Care requirements

Care level: Advanced.

Lifespan: 15–25 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 600 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 25–30 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH, KH 1–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Clown Loach is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Plant safe
Yes
Community safe
Yes

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Clown Loach should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Offer sinking pellets, worms, insect larvae, crustaceans, snails and vegetable matter. Distribute food across several locations.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Sumatra and Borneo.

Natural habitat: Main river channels, seasonal floodplains and submerged shelters among wood, rock, mud cavities and areas of current.

Breeding notes

Breeding difficulty: Advanced.

Adults can exceed 30 cm. Aquarium planning must be based on mature size rather than the much smaller juveniles commonly offered for sale.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 600 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Important notes

  • Large, long-lived fish requiring an adult-sized aquarium.
  • Must be kept in a social group.
  • Not safe with ornamental snails.
  • Reduced scales make careless medication risky.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 30 cm (≤ 11.8 in) 22–28 °C Bengal Loach Botia dario Same family Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in) 23–27 °C African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 23–27 °C African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 22–27 °C Apollo’s Leporinus Leporinus apollo Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in) 20–27 °C Banded Archerfish Toxotes jaculatrix Similar care level Same temperament Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 30 cm (≤ 11.8 in) 25–30 °C

FAQ

How large does Clown Loach get?

Clown Loach reaches 25–30.5 cm (9.8–12 in). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Clown Loach need?

Use an aquarium of at least 600 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length.

Is Clown Loach peaceful?

Yes. Clown Loach is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Clown Loach?

Keep it between 25 to 30 °C.

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