How many clown loaches should I get?
Please can you give me some advice on how many clown loaches I should keep in a group? I have a 1.2m-long aquarium which holds about 250 litres. The tank has been set up for three months. There are Java ferns and driftwood and a fine gravel bottom. Other fish are two small angels, seven X-ray tetras, four male platies and two red robin gouramis. Should I add the clowns as a whole group or can they go in in twos or threes? What sort of hiding places will they need?
BOB ADVISES: I'm afraid that your tank, while still a generous size, is too small for clown loach, Chromobotia
macracanthus. While they are without doubt a beautiful, iconic aquarium fish, an adult size in excess of 25cm and a requirement to be kept in groups of five at the very least, means your tank—like most home aquaria—is too small to achieve this. The allure of these gorgeous fish means they continue to be a commonly sold species, despite the fact that few fishkeepers can provide for their long-term care.
Luckily there are several other, smaller Botiid loach species that can offer bold patterning and the same quirky, charming behaviour, which would be better suited to your aquarium. The candy stripe or zebra loach, Botia striata is a great choice. With an adult size of around 10cm, these attractive fish are peaceful and readily available.
The diminutive dwarf chain loach,
Ambastaia sidthimunki is another wonderful fish, well worthy of consideration and when stocked in larger groups, which their size readily allows, can become fascinating to watch as they spar and 'play' among their group.
Both these fish must be stocked in groups of five minimum, but the more the merrier.
Adding caves and hiding places, such as tubes, will be appreciated and giving a good selection should mean there are enough places to call home to avoid disputes.
If possible, it's best to add all the loaches in one go, as adding new fish to an established group (loaches have complex hierarchies) will disturb their 'pecking order' and may mean newcomers are bullied initially and may struggle for food.