Common Name:Clown Loach

Scientific Name:Botia macracanthus

Family:Cobitidae

Origin:Indonesia, Sumatra, and Borneo

Diet:Omnivore

Temperament:Peaceful.

Average Size:12" though it takes 2-3 years to reach this size in aquaria

Gender:Unknown

Perferred Water Conditions: Prefers water temperature between 75-86 F, though the extremes should probably be avoided for any long period of time. pH 6.0-7.5, can be acclimated slowly to difering pH though try to keep it reasonable. These fish are sensitive to nitrates, and as a scaleless fish are also more susceptable to ich than other fish. Treating with medication can also be a problem as they are sensitive to malchite green and formalin, and medications like Quick Cure should only be used in emergency.

Care:Though clowns will eat a large variety of foods, they can be finicky. One loach may like bloodworms, while your neighbors loach may hate them. In general clowns will eat, flakes, bloodworms, frozen/freeze dried foods, bannana, peach, apple, zucchini, lettuce, oranges, spinach, peas, and bottom feeder pellets.

Author:Obsidian

Image Credit:Obsidian