Clown Loach Advice

[1ADAM12]

Is it typical behavior for clown loaches to scratch themselves on the rocks and other decor in the aquarium? As far as I can see they do not have iche or a fungus. Otherwise they are very happy fish. I have 3 of them.

I did just treat my tank for fungus earlier this week because of my Silver Dollar. He now is fine and clear.

Any advice?

Thanks,
Adam

 

[Ripley]

I'm not 100% sure but I think Clown Loaches don't have scales and sometimes certian medications can be harmful for scale-less fish. I hope someone can clearify this though.

 

[Colin_T]

yep clown loaches are scaleless fish and as such they are more prone to problems like overdosing with medications. You should always check the instructions on the packaging before treating a tank containing catfish, loaches, eels, elephant nose, etc. Most treatments recommend using a half dose for scaleless fish.

The scratching could be an irritation from the medication or it could be signs of whitespot, velvet, or other skin parasites. Fish will also scrath occassionally just like people. But if it is continuous and in the same spot then there could be a problem starting.

If the silver dollar is better and you have finished treating it, then perhaps do a partial water change to dilute the medication in the tank and see if this helps the loach stop scratching.

 

[lexitc]

I read somewhere that clown loaches actually do have scales, just very, very small ones so they look like they don't.

 

[groovitudedude]

yep clown loaches are scaleless fish and as such they are more prone to problems like overdosing with medications. You should always check the instructions on the packaging before treating a tank containing catfish, loaches, eels, elephant nose, etc. Most treatments recommend using a half dose for scaleless fish.

The scratching could be an irritation from the medication or it could be signs of whitespot, velvet, or other skin parasites. Fish will also scrath occassionally just like people. But if it is continuous and in the same spot then there could be a problem starting.

If the silver dollar is better and you have finished treating it, then perhaps do a partial water change to dilute the medication in the tank and see if this helps the loach stop scratching.

That's pretty much it. Keep a CLOSE eye out for ich, though. It's very difficult to treat on CLs.