Clown Loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
Minimum Tank
100 Gallons
Adult Size
12 inches
Temperature
77-86°F (25-30°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
20 years
School Size
5+ fish
About Clown Loach
The clown loach is a large, strikingly patterned fish from the rivers of Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia. Its bright orange body crossed with three bold black wedge-shaped bands makes it one of the most recognizable freshwater fish. Clown loaches are social, playful fish known for their entertaining behaviors, including lying on their sides to rest (which often alarms new keepers who mistake it for illness), clicking sounds during feeding, and playful chasing within their group. They are slow-growing but can eventually reach 12 inches and live for over 25 years, making them a long-term commitment. Clown loaches are one of the most effective snail-eating fish and are often employed to control pest snail populations in aquariums.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 100-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 77-86°F (25-30°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.5
- • Category: Loach
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Clown loaches need a very large tank of at least 125 gallons for a group of adults, as they grow slowly but steadily to 12 inches over many years. Keep them in groups of at least five, as they are highly social and become stressed alone. Young clown loaches can start in smaller tanks but plan ahead for their eventual size. They are prone to ich and are often the first fish in a tank to show symptoms. They are also extremely sensitive to many medications, so use half-doses or heat treatment for ich. Provide sandy substrate, caves, and driftwood for hiding. Feed sinking pellets, wafers, and frozen foods. Water temperature should be 77-86°F.
Quick Facts
378L
Min Tank (100gal)
30cm
Adult Size (12")
20yr
Lifespan
5+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Clown Loach
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Tank Mates for Clown Loach
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Bala Shark
Balantiocheilos melanopterus
moderate · 125+ gal
Royal Pleco
Panaque nigrolineatus
moderate · 125+ gal
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
moderate · 30+ gal
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
moderate · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Clown Loach need?
A Clown Loach needs a minimum tank size of 100 gallons (378 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 5.
What water parameters does a Clown Loach need?
Clown Loach thrive in water between 77-86°F (25-30°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Clown Loach easy to care for?
Clown Loach are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 20 years.
How big do Clown Loach get and what do they eat?
Clown Loach reach about 12 inches and are omnivores. Clown loaches need a very large tank of at least 125 gallons for a group of adults, as they grow slowly but steadily to 12 inches over many years. Keep them in groups of at least five, as they are highly social and become stressed alone. Young clown loaches can start in smaller tanks but plan ahead for their eventual size. They are prone to ich and are often the first fish in a tank to show symptoms. They are also extremely sensitive to many medications, so use half-doses or heat treatment for ich. Provide sandy substrate, caves, and driftwood for hiding. Feed sinking pellets, wafers, and frozen foods. Water temperature should be 77-86°F.