Clown Loach

[Studz]

Hi,

I have a clown loach in my tank, who only comes out of hiding when the lighs go out. This is a natural behavious in other loachs, but I have read that the clown loach is supposed to be more active in the day time?
Is this true? and could its inactivity be becuase I keep him in a community tank, but he is the only clownloach? should I purchase another to keep him company?

Thanks,

 

[Anonymous]

Clown Loaches need others of their own species to thrive when young. Young being less than 3 inches or so. Put them in a small school and they will zoom all over the tank.

 

[Studz]

thanks, well I think I need to get to the pet store and buy some more

 

[fishfanatic2]

How big is the tank? Clown loaches get pretty big even if they grow slowly.

 

[Studz]

I know they do, nut I will have a bigger tank well before they get too big

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, you have about 30 years or so. The grow very slowly.
Not kidding - 30 years to reach 11" or so.

 

[Studz]

30years is that it? well better run out and buy a massive tank straight away

I knew they were slow growing fish, but that a long time. lol

 

[Anonymous]

Clown Loaches need others of their own species to thrive when young. Young being less than 3 inches or so. Put them in a small school and they will zoom all over the tank.

er- they do not 'need' any other fish whatsoever-keeping them in a shoal will enable them to exhibit the shoaling behavior, and act more 'naturally', but anyone should be able to keep a loach alive and healthy for decades all by itself w/no special treatment even from when they're young

:wink:

 

[Studz]

I thought it might bring out a little more life in the orignal loach, but he aint changed much, I've seen him out a little more, but not much change. the second clown I bought is very active and is out most of the time.

 

[Anonymous]

Clown Loaches need others of their own species to thrive when young. Young being less than 3 inches or so. Put them in a small school and they will zoom all over the tank.

er- they do not 'need' any other fish whatsoever-keeping them in a shoal will enable them to exhibit the shoaling behavior, and act more 'naturally', but anyone should be able to keep a loach alive and healthy for decades all by itself w/no special treatment even from when they're young

:wink:

IME, they seem to do better in a small school of 3 or more. They don't seem as shy and their colors are more vivid in groups. You are right though, vitz they can live alone in a empty tank if we choose. The larger seem to be fine alone.