A highly popular but large-growing shoaling fish famous for eating nuisance snails. Known for their striking orange and black bands, they are highly social and must be kept in groups. They have no standard scales, making them sensitive to medications and prone to Ich, requiring pristine, warm water. They are known for their quirky behavior of sleeping on their sides or backs.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Water Parameters
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
The fully grown adult form. These gentle giants require massive aquariums and strong filtration. They are extremely long-lived (often exceeding 20 years) and form complex social hierarchies with an 'Alpha' female.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Jumbo Clown Loach, Full Grown
Juvenile (Grow-out)
The size typically sold in pet stores (usually 1-2 inches). While they can be kept in smaller grow-out tanks initially, they will inevitably require a massive upgrade. They are highly sensitive to poor water quality and Ich at this stage.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Clown Loach, Small
Clown Loach Care Summary
The Clown Loach, scientifically known as Chromobotia macracanthus, belongs to the Loaches family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 30 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Clown Loach requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 500 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 25°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 5–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. To replicate their natural habitat, the tank should include sand (sifters), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and driftwood (digestion/hiding).
This species should be kept in groups of at least 5 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour. Keepers should be aware that this species will eat snails and is primarily active at night or during twilight hours. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Adult) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Similar Species
Dwarf Chain Loach
Ambastaia sidthimunki
An incredibly active, highly social, and peaceful nano loach. Known for its distinct chain-like pattern, this species is an excellent alternative to Clown Loaches for smaller aquariums. They are fantastic snail hunters. They must be kept in groups of at least 6 to feel secure and display their entertaining, hyperactive shoaling behavior.
Yoyo Loach
Botia almorhae
A popular, energetic, and boisterous bottom dweller native to the slow-moving and still waters of the Ganges basin (India/Pakistan). Named 'Yoyo' because the dark reticulated patterns on juveniles often resemble the letters Y-O-Y-O. As they mature, the pattern becomes a complex mosaic. They are excellent snail eaters but can be semi-aggressive/boisterous, making them unsuitable for shy or long-finned tank mates.
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
A highly popular, industrious freshwater shrimp renowned for its unmatched algae-eating abilities. Popularized by aquascaper Takashi Amano, they are significantly larger and hardier than most dwarf shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp). They are notorious food-thieves during feeding time and excellent escape artists, requiring a tight-fitting lid. Their larvae require saltwater to develop, so they will not overpopulate in a freshwater aquarium.
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
A remarkably peaceful, eel-like bottom dweller native to the slow-moving forest streams of Southeast Asia. Famous for its orange and dark brown banding, the Kuhli Loach is an excellent scavenger. They are notoriously shy and nocturnal, requiring dense planting, leaf litter, and most importantly, a soft sand substrate to burrow in without damaging their delicate barbels. They must be kept in groups to feel secure and prevent severe stress.
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Brachygobius xanthozonus
A miniature, bottom-dwelling goby famous for its striking black and yellow stripes. While they are often sold as freshwater fish and can survive in it temporarily, they are highly susceptible to fungal infections in fresh water and truly require a brackish setup (SG 1.002-1.005) to thrive long-term. They are notoriously picky eaters, often ignoring flakes in favor of live or frozen foods (like bloodworms or brine shrimp).
Scarlet Badis
Dario dario
One of the smallest known aquarium fish, resembling a tiny jewel. Males display brilliant vertical red and iridescent blue stripes. While beautiful, they are known for being extremely picky eaters, often refusing dry foods and requiring live or frozen micro-foods (Daphnia, Baby Brine Shrimp). Males act like tiny Cichlids and will stake out territories.