Clown loach

Common name Clown loach, Clown botia, Tiger botia Picture of Clown loaches

Photos © Sean Evans

Scientific name Chromobotia macracanthus

Synonyms Botia macracanthus (old genus name)

Size Up to 12" (30cm), but usually smaller in aquaria - about 6" (15cm).

Origin Borneo, Sumatra, India

Tank setup Large tank with plenty of hiding places

Compatibility Peaceful community fish

Temperature 24-30^oC (75-86^oF)

Water chemistry Fairly soft, slightly acidic (pH 6-7) preferred, but will adapt to harder and more alkaline water.

Feeding Omnivorous, but prefers meaty foods

Sexing Unknown, females may be fuller bodied

Breeding There have only been occasional spawnings reported in aquaria, of which there are no detailed accounts. The Clown loach is now bred commercially on fish farms in large numbers.

Comments A very popular aquarium fish, both for its colour and its antics. One of its habits is to lie on its side when resting - which may alarm those not familiar with it, as the fish may appear to be ill! They may also make audible clicking sounds, particularly at feeding time. They tend to be more active if kept as a small group, rather than singly or in pairs. Provide plenty of refuges in the way of bogwood or hollow cylinders such as bamboo or pipes, as the fish like to rest out of sight.
This fish is particularly prone to whitespot/ich when stressed in any way, so observe fish carefully before buying and ideally quarantine for at least 2 weeks before introducing to the main tank.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Clown loach, Clown botia, Tiger botia	Photos © Sean Evans
Scientific name	Chromobotia macracanthus
Synonyms	Botia macracanthus (old genus name)
Size	Up to 12" (30cm), but usually smaller in aquaria - about 6" (15cm).
Origin	Borneo, Sumatra, India
Tank setup	Large tank with plenty of hiding places
Compatibility	Peaceful community fish
Temperature	24-30^oC (75-86^oF)
Water chemistry	Fairly soft, slightly acidic (pH 6-7) preferred, but will adapt to harder and more alkaline water.
Feeding	Omnivorous, but prefers meaty foods
Sexing	Unknown, females may be fuller bodied
Breeding	There have only been occasional spawnings reported in aquaria, of which there are no detailed accounts. The Clown loach is now bred commercially on fish farms in large numbers.
Comments	A very popular aquarium fish, both for its colour and its antics. One of its habits is to lie on its side when resting - which may alarm those not familiar with it, as the fish may appear to be ill! They may also make audible clicking sounds, particularly at feeding time. They tend to be more active if kept as a small group, rather than singly or in pairs. Provide plenty of refuges in the way of bogwood or hollow cylinders such as bamboo or pipes, as the fish like to rest out of sight. This fish is particularly prone to whitespot/ich when stressed in any way, so observe fish carefully before buying and ideally quarantine for at least 2 weeks before introducing to the main tank.