Clown Loach - Botia macracantha

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Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus)

The Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is a vibrant and active freshwater fish, renowned for its striking orange and black striped pattern and playful personality. Native to the rivers of Southeast Asia, this social species thrives in groups and is a fantastic addition to community aquariums. Clown Loaches are loved for their entertaining behavior, unique appearance, and role as natural snail controllers in aquariums.

Product Details

• Species: Chromobotia macracanthus
• Common Names: Clown Loach, Tiger Loach
• Origin: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Borneo, Sumatra)
• Diet: Omnivore
• Maximum Size: 30 cm (12 inches) in the wild; typically 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) in aquariums
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Moderate

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
Clown Loaches require a spacious tank of at least 200 liters, as they are active swimmers and grow large. Provide plenty of hiding spots with driftwood, rocks, and live plants to mimic their natural habitat. Use a soft substrate, such as sand or fine gravel, to protect their delicate barbels. Ensure good water flow and maintain a well-oxygenated environment.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24°C – 30°C
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5–12 dGH)

Diet:
Clown Loaches are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. Provide high-quality sinking pellets or wafers as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They also relish vegetables like zucchini and cucumber, as well as algae wafers. Clown Loaches are natural snail eaters, making them excellent for controlling snail populations in aquariums.

Behavior and Compatibility:
Clown Loaches are peaceful and thrive in groups of 5 or more, where they display natural schooling and playful behavior. They are compatible with other peaceful community fish, such as tetras, barbs, gouramis, and Corydoras. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or territorial species.

Growth and Maintenance:

Clown Loaches can grow up to 15–20 cm in aquariums and require regular maintenance to thrive. Perform frequent water changes and monitor water quality closely, as they are sensitive to poor conditions. Their active and social nature, combined with their vibrant coloration, makes them a standout species in any freshwater setup.

Availability:
Clown Loaches (Chromobotia macracanthus) are available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and add this lively and colorful fish to your freshwater aquarium today!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.