Care
Clown Loaches are a giant among loaches. They are the most commonly available loach species in the fishkeeping hobby, although given their potential adult size, they really shouldn't be. Many newcomers to the hobby are instantly drawn to the beautiful bright 1-2" fishes often offered for sale, unaware of just how large these cute "little" loaches will grow. Under the right conditions, they grow quite quickly, and adults will eventually require an aquarium measuring at least 6" x 2" x 2". Even small specimens of this species must initially be housed in an aquarium that is 4ft long as a minimum. Anything smaller can cause these fast-swimming fish to become stunted and stressed. Clown loaches are often a life-long commitment; indeed, when cared for properly, they live for decades rather than years (some reports suggest up to 50 years), so this is something the aquarist must think seriously about. Clown loaches, like other members of the family Botiinae, are very social creatures, and MUST be maintained in groups of at least 5, and preferably more. They form highly complex social structures within the group, and their physical health will suffer if they don't have contact with their own kind. Adding some suitable "dither fish" to the aquarium may encourage them to venture out a little more during the daytime, and species from the barb, danio, rasbora, and tetra families make great companions. The aquarium should be well filtered with a decent amount of current and aeration. The substrate should consist of fine smooth sand in order to protect the delicate sensory barbel area, and numerous shady hiding places, in the form of bogwood and caves should be provided. Small partial water changes of 10-15% at a time should be carried out at least twice a week. Nitrates should be kept below 40ppm at all times. Clown loaches are often recommended for tanks with a snail problem. Yes, they will eat snails, but so will other species of botiid loach, some of which are much more appropriately sized for the average community aquarium. Clown loaches.....think before you buy!
Feeding
A bottom feeding species which should be offered a varied diet consisting of good quality sinking catfish pellets, algae wafers, vegetable matter (such as cucumber) frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, mysis etc. Larger specimens will relish chopped prawns. Adult fish will eat aquatic plants.
Breeding
Unknown. The few reported supposed aquarium spawnings have never been substantiated. It is believed that fish farms in the East are breeding this species via some form of hormone treatment, in large outdoor tropical ponds.
