Reality of Care
Adults 8-12 inches. Need group of 5+. Need 200+ gallon tank for proper care.
Most pet shop clown loaches die young from inadequate tanks. Plan accordingly.
Schooling Behavior
Without 5+ in group, clown loaches hide, refuse food, develop disease.
Group of 5+ creates active social behavior — playing, schooling, communal sleeping.
Diet
Omnivorous — sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, blanched vegetables.
Snail eaters — useful for pest snail control.
Long Lifespan
25-30 years in proper conditions.
Few aquarium fish live this long. Plan for the commitment.
- ✦Add caves and PVC pipes — communal sleeping spots
- ✦Clown loaches are notorious "click" makers — not a problem, just normal
- ✦Sensitive to medication — half-dose for treatment