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Clown Loach

Clown Loach

Breed InfoHabitatNutritionHealth

Origin

🇮🇩

Indonesia

Habitat Size

150-400 Liters

Water Type

Fresh Water

Water Temperature

24º-30ºC

Cost in India

₹200 - ₹300

Size

6 - 18 inches (Medium)

Diet

Omnivore

Orange and black striped fish swims over rocks and gravel in an aquarium
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by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 2 Dec 2025

The Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is an orange fish with bold black stripes. Clever, social, and mischievous, Clown Loaches are a dramatic focal point for large community tanks. Even though they sell them small all the time, they will indeed get really large eventually, so they are a large responsibility for serious aquarists.

Origin of the Clown Loach

It is from the Indonesian river, Borneo and Sumatra mainly, and lives well in its natural warmer, slower water with leaf and plant coverings. They migrate to flooded forests during rainy periods to feed and breed.

Temperament of the Clown Loach

Peaceful, active, and social, Clown Loaches are always best kept in a group of 5 or more because they are social hierarchy and exhibit fascinating group behavior. They are non-aggressive for their size and steer clear of large fish.

Clown Loach Compatibility with Other Fish

Clown Loaches are perfectly suited to community tanks containing peaceful, same-sized fish.

They can be kept with:

  1. Gouramis
  2. Non-aggressive Barbs
  3. Rainbowfish
  4. Plecos and Corydoras
  5. Large tetras

Don't keep with:

  1. Aggressive cichlids
  2. Fin-nippers such as tiger barbs (when kept in small groups)
  3. Food fish or prawns as a food item

Price Range of the Clown Loach

Clown Loaches typically range between ₹350–₹1,000 ($5–$12) based on size and location. Larger and older fish or captive-bred pairs will cost more.

Characteristics

Temperament

Aggressive

Friendly

Compatibility with other fishes

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Habitat Size

Small

Large

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Habitat Requirements of the Clown Loach

Initial Setup Cost

₹10,000 - ₹30,000

Water Temperature

24º -30ºC

Water Type

Fresh Water

PH Level

6 - 7

Tank Setup

  1. Minimum tank size: 75 gallons (for adult groups)
  2. Substrate: Soft sand or smooth gravel
  3. Insert driftwood, caves, and PVC pipes as hides
  4. Provide ample swimming room

Water Conditions

  1. Temperature: 25–30°C (77–86°F)
  2. pH: 6.0–7.5
  3. Hardness: 5–12 dGH

Environment Requirements

  1. Decor: Driftwood, live plants, rocks
  2. Lighting: Moderate lighting with shaded spots
  3. Filtration: Steady but unobtrusive water current; Clown Loaches require spotless, well-oxygenated water
  4. Lid: Securely fitting lid—jump occasionally

Essential Equipment

Aquarium tank

Water filter

Heater

Light

Substrate

Clown Loach Nutritional Guide

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹200 - ₹ 300

Clown Loaches are opportunistic omnivorous cleaners and like variety.

  1. Main foods: Loach wafers, sinking pellets
  2. Protein items: Brine shrimp, tubifex worms, bloodworms, insect larvae
  3. Vegetables: Frozen peas, cucumber, zucchini, spinach

Feeding Tips:

  1. Feed two times a day in small quantities
  2. Remove surplus to prevent water quality issues
  3. Occasional live or frozen foods for general health
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Care & Health of the Clown Loach

Common Health Issues

Fin rot

White spot / ick

Velvet disease (yellowish-brown spots on the skin)

Swim bladder disease

Parasites

Bacterial infections

Signs of good health

Active

Bright coloration

Good apetite

Signs of sickness

Loss of appetite

Lethargic behaviour

Dull coloring

Tattered fins

White growths

Common Issues of the Clown Loach

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Nightly widespread clown loaches because of sensitivity to temperature fluctuation.

  1. Symptoms: Tiny white spots on body and fins, rubbing against rocks
  2. Treatment: Slightly warm and treat with aquarium-safe ich medication

Skin Fluke Infestation

Parasitic worms that cause skin and gill irritation.

  1. Symptoms: Flared respiration, scratching, fin clamped
  2. Treatment: Treat with anti-parasite medication such as praziquantel or formalin

Bacterial Fin Erosion

Causes poor water conditions or physical injury.

  1. Symptoms: Fin clipped or frayed, lethargy
  2. Treatment: Quality water improved, antibacterial meds, and standard parameters

Prerequisites for a Fish

Adequate tank space

Cleanliness

Effort & commitment

Enriching Environment

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Written by

Happy Pet Team

Author

Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clown Loaches live with other fish?

Yes, Clown Loaches are generally peaceful and can live with other non-aggressive species. They do well in community tanks with similarly sized, calm fish.

How many Clown Loaches should I keep together?

Clown Loaches are social fish and thrive in groups. It is best to keep them in groups of at least five to ensure they are happy and exhibit natural behaviors.

Do Clown Loaches need hiding places in their tank?

Yes, Clown Loaches appreciate having plenty of hiding spots such as caves, driftwood, and dense vegetation. This helps reduce stress and allows them to exhibit natural behaviors.