Clown loach
Chromobotia macracanthus · Botiidae
Also known as Tiger botia
Advanced
Sociable, snail-eating loach that reaches 30 cm and lives for decades — a big-tank fish.
In short: A clown loach needs at least 600 L (159 US gal), water at 25–30 °C (77–86 °F) and pH 6–7.5. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 5 or more, and rated advanced to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 600 L (159 US gal)
- Temperature
- 25–30 °C (77–86 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Adult size
- 30 cm (11.8 in)
- Group size
- 5+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 600 L (159 US gal)
- Temperature
- 25–30 °C (77–86 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- Lifespan
- 15–25 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — sinking pellets, snails, frozen foods, vegetables.
- Care level
- Advanced
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Sumatra and Borneo
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Large fast rivers, migrating to flooded forest
- Natural conditions
- Warm, soft, strongly flowing, oxygen-rich water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 5 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- Silver dollarLarger barbsBristlenose plecoRainbowfish
- Avoid
- Nano fishOrnamental snailsAggressive cichlids
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Females are broader; males have a more forked tail.
- Notes
- Migratory spawner; not bred outside hormone-assisted farms.
- Common ailments
- Ich (highly susceptible)Skinny diseaseStunting in small tanks
Will it fit your tank?
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