Clown Loach - (No Online Purchases)

Name: Clown Loach - Instore pick-up only

Scientific Name: Chromobotia macracanthus

Description: A colourful, bottom-dwelling freshwater fish with an orange body, three broad black bands and reddish-orange fins. Clown Loaches are active, social fish known for their playful behaviour and audible clicking sounds. They may rest on their sides, which can be normal behaviour.

Origin: Indonesia, particularly river systems and seasonally flooded habitats in Sumatra and Borneo.

pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5.

Temperature: Around 25–28°C.

Adult Size: Approximately 25–30 cm in aquariums, with exceptional individuals reaching 40 cm or more.

Lifespan: Approximately 15–20 years with good care; some live considerably longer.

Food: Quality sinking pellets, wafers and frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Include suitable vegetable foods for variety. Will eat small snails, but requires a complete diet rather than relying on leftover food or pest snails.

Compatibility: Generally peaceful and best kept in a group of at least five to six. Suitable companions include appropriately sized rainbowfish, larger peaceful barbs and other fish that share their warm-water requirements. Avoid aggressive species, delicate long-finned fish and very small tankmates. Shrimp and ornamental snails may be eaten.

Habitat: A large, established freshwater aquarium with fine sand or smooth substrate, driftwood, shaded areas and multiple spacious hiding places. Provide open swimming areas, efficient filtration, strong aeration and regular partial water changes.  Juveniles may be grown on in smaller aquariums, but require substantial upgrades as they mature. Maintain stable conditions with zero ammonia and nitrite.