Chromobotia macracanthus

Clown Loach

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Name: Chromobotia macracanthus		Size	Tank	pH	Temp
Origin: Indonesia, Sumatra, Borneo		30 cm	300 L	7.0	26°C

This is quite a social loach that thrives in groups of 4 or more. It is active by day and will suit itself well in most community tanks. This species as most other loaches are prone to white spot, or Ich. Breeding of this fish in captivity is extremely rare and specimens of this species are usually imported after being caught in the wild. I have noticed that these fish make a loud "clicking" noise towards others in the group. I believe that this "clicking" is used as means of communication between clowns which can be observed during territorial disputes or when these fish are being fed. There is a distinct pecking order within a group of these fish.

I love my trio of clowns! They each exhibit individual personalities and intelligence. I have large gravel as a substrate and if a food pellet falls underneath I have observed my clowns picking up the pebbles in their mouth and moving them out of the way until they dig down to the food. Amazing! They are somewhat susceptible to Ich and when I introduce new fish I treat the tank with Aquarisol (without raising the temperature) for three days as a preventive measure. The first clowns I owned got Ich and Coppersafe did nothing except weaken them until they died. When you first buy clowns they are easily stressed and very shy. I've found that the best thing you can do for them is to provide some sort of cave or hiding place. Also remeber that these fish grow up to around a foot in the wild and need a large aquarium to be happy. Clowns eat about anything, making clicking noises as they gobble up flakes, worms, zucchini, and pellets. New plants cause a snail outbreak? Don't worry, snails are their specialty.

One thing that many people fail to realise is that the clown loach has little razor blades under its eyes. No joking around! Many people handle the fish while putting them into their aquarium and notice cuts later on, and say, how did these get here!? The razors are a tent shape, and protrude only when they are out of the water, or under attack or extreme stress. This fish is a great community fish, its only downfall being that it grows rather large. It will dart around the bottom of the tank looking for food, (snails, leftover flakes, etc.) And will eat flake food that happens to go down to their swimming zone. The best way to describe the way they eat is like a chipmonk. They suck up the food with the little "feelers" flinging this way and that and it looks like the mouth of a chipmonk eating its food. If this fish gets a "pinched in" look on its belly, you either need to feed it more or move it to a less stressful environment.

From a lesser experienced to others: When I saw my clown fish lying on their sides resting for the firt time, I thought they were seriously ill, but that was not the case. Some of them just like to relax using this position, it is perfectly normal. Always keep more than one. I got my first clownie by a lucky coincidence, but he seemed shy and inactive - 2 more of his beautiful kind, and he was a different fish.

I agree with Ronni, smiling. I too was instantly saddened to see my then 4" loach laying on its side. That sinking feeling knowing that my husband's favorite fish is soon going to be covered over out back by the irises. You get out the net and open the tank. Dropping the net to literally 2" from the fish and... HEY you little clown bugger. Yep it springs up and swims to the other side of the tank (laughing all the way I am sure). One note to all at all time be mindful of the loach's secret weapon. When netted and during handling watch out for their raisors that come out of the sides under their eyes, by the pectoral fins. They can cut and you won't even know it some times. Moments later you are bleeding and you don't know why.

I have three of these ludicrous fish and they are great favourites. They are really active and they are the focal point of our lush planted aquarium. And that is the problem - they are merciless plant destroyers and they do it for fun as they do everthing. This is a habit the fish store did not communicate when we bought them 3 years ago as cute little 4cm fish. I know when the loaches have been on a binge because there are quantities of new leaf shoots floating on the surface, they especially adore the dwarf echinodorus species quadricostatus, latifolius, parv-tropica and tennellus, and seem to delight in snipping each new leaf off at the centre of the crown accompanied by the clicking noises they emit when excited. They also munch holes in the other plants and relish the really expensive ones such as the larger exotic swords plants ocelot, barthii and rose varieties which I would add are guaranteed fish-proof by the growers. But our loaches haven't read the books! So my advice for what it's worth is that the loaches are brilliant fish but not for a tank where a lot of money has been invested in substrate and technology to grow plants - the carnage will make you weep. But on the bright side at least we don't have any snails!