How big does Clown Loach get?

Clown Loach reaches an adult standard length of 20–30 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.

What water does Clown Loach need?

24–30 °C, pH 6–7.5, 2–12 dGH. At 6 °C wide it is one of the more forgiving ranges.

What is the smallest tank for Clown Loach?

At least 300 L, and no shorter than 120 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is a schooling fish: keep at least 5 together. Fewer than that and it hides, loses colour, and aggression has nowhere to spread.

What is Clown Loach like to keep?

Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: moderate. It occupies the bottom and is carnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".

G-01 / 37Freshwater

Clown Loach小丑鳅

Chromobotia macracanthus · Botiidae

An orange-and-black social loach that reaches 30 cm and can live twenty years: a long commitment.

Illustration to come

G-01 / 37 · Clown Loach Chromobotia macracanthus

SpecificationsFish atlas

Name: 小丑鳅
Scientific name: Chromobotia macracanthus
Family: Botiidae
Origin: Southeast Asia (Sumatra, Borneo)
Adult size: 20–30 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Water level: Bottom
Level: Moderate
School size: ≥ 5
Min. tank: 300 L
Min. length: 120 cm
Plant safe: Leaves plants alone

Water requirementsFreshwater

Temp.24–30 °C

pH6–7.5

Hardness2–12 dGH

Units: temperature in °C, hardness in German degrees (dGH / dKH), marine salinity as specific gravity at 25 °C, volume in litres. These are the values recorded for the species and do not follow the site unit switcher.

Keeping notes

1Reaches 30 cm, so keep five or more in a 120 cm tank; a lone loach hides permanently.
2Eats snails and is a standard control for juvenile ramshorn snails, though not for large adults.
3Wants 26 °C+, soft acidic water and plenty of cover such as pipes and driftwood.
4Its cheek spines flare with a clicking sound when frightened, so move it with a soft net or container.
5Omnivorous with a meaty lean on sinking pellets, bloodworm and snail meat.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Clown Loach get?: Clown Loach reaches an adult standard length of 20–30 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.
What water does Clown Loach need?: 24–30 °C, pH 6–7.5, 2–12 dGH. At 6 °C wide it is one of the more forgiving ranges.
What is the smallest tank for Clown Loach?: At least 300 L, and no shorter than 120 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is a schooling fish: keep at least 5 together. Fewer than that and it hides, loses colour, and aggression has nowhere to spread.
What is Clown Loach like to keep?: Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: moderate. It occupies the bottom and is carnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".