Clown Loach

Clown Loach

Chromobotia macracanthus

💧 Freshwater ✌️ Peaceful 🟡 Moderate 🍽️ Omnivore Schooling (5+)

Bright orange and black striped loach. Social, playful, and can grow very large. Excellent snail control.

Tank Size

75 gal
minimum (125+ preferred)

Temperature

77–86°F
25–30°C

pH Range

6–7.5
water acidity

Max Size

12"
30.5 cm

Lifespan

15–25 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Bottom
preferred zone

Care Notes

Grows slowly but can reach 12 inches. Needs a very large tank long-term. Prone to ich — raise temp for treatment.

Feeding

Sinking pellets, frozen foods, snails, and vegetables.

Compatible Tank Mates

Discus 8" Geophagus Tapajos Red Head 7" Festivum Cichlid 6" Keyhole Cichlid 4" Cupid Cichlid 5" Sven's Eartheater 7" Altifrons Eartheater 10" Common Pleco 18" Kuhli Loach 4" Upside Down Catfish 4" Striped Raphael Catfish 7" Banjo Catfish 5"

Use Caution With

Black Skirt Tetra 2.5" Congo Tetra 3.5" Diamond Tetra 2.5" Buenos Aires Tetra 3" Scissortail Rasbora 3.5" Penguin Tetra 2.5" Red Eye Tetra 2.5" Colombian Tetra 2.5" Silver Hatchetfish 2.5" Giant Danio 4" Pearl Danio 2.5" Blue Tetra 2.5"

Incompatible With

Neon Tetra 1.5" Cardinal Tetra 2" Rummy Nose Tetra 2" Ember Tetra 0.8" Serpae Tetra 1.75" Glowlight Tetra 1.5" Harlequin Rasbora 2" Chili Rasbora 0.7" Celestial Pearl Danio 1" Zebra Danio 2" White Cloud Mountain Minnow 1.5" Bloodfin Tetra 2"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Clown Loach is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.