Clown Loach

Chromobotia macracanthus

Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) — Intermediate care, Peaceful, under Loach. Minimum tank in the app: 75 US gal min; aim for 75–86°F and pH 6–7.8. Clown Loaches are captivating bottom-dwellers that thrive in groups, adding lively dynamics to a well-maintained large tank.

Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelIntermediate
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size75 US gal min
pH range6–7.8
Temperature75–86°F
Max size11.8 in (30.0 cm)
Captive lifespan15–25 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Asia

  • East & Southeast Asia

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Clown Loach Tank Setup

A tank of at least 285 liters is essential, with plenty of hiding places created using driftwood, rocks, and plants to satisfy their need for cover. A fine substrate is recommended to accommodate their natural foraging behavior. Moderate to strong water flow is ideal, and lighting should be subdued to mimic their natural habitat, promoting comfort and reducing stress.

What Do Clown Loachs Eat?

As omnivores, Clown Loaches enjoy a varied diet, including sinking pellets, live or frozen foods, and occasional plant matter. They are moderate feeders, so ensure a balanced diet to prevent competition-related stress.

Clown Loach Tank Mates

Clown Loaches pair well with similarly sized, non-aggressive species that occupy different swim zones, such as larger tetras or rasboras. However, caution is warranted with overly timid fish that may be stressed by their boisterous nature. They can thrive alone but exhibit best behavior in groups; intraspecies aggression is minimal unless space is limited.

Are Clown Loachs Good for Beginners?

We rate this as intermediate. Budget time for testing, maintenance, and watching behaviour if the water looks fine but the fish do not. A frequent error is underestimating their space and social needs; a solitary Clown Loach can become stressed and exhibit erratic behavior. inadequate filtration can lead to poor water quality, exacerbating health issues.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

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