Clown loach with Mbuna?

[Ferris]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone has ever kept Clown loach in a Mbuna tank. I know in theory its a bit "iffy" but I would like to hear from anyone who has tried this, either succesfully or unsuccesfully.

My Mbuna tank is a 55 gallon and my CL's are currently in my smaller tank, which they will eventually outgrow.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Yes, it is possible, though I would avoid it with the more aggreessive varieties (Auratus, Lombardoi). They are bets off kept in groups and will outgrow a 55 as well eventually.

 

[jaukema]

In my experience the two are a pretty good combo.
We've had clown loaches in our mbuna tank for a good year and something, and only had one catastrophe. We had a Kenyi who didn't know to leave them alone, and got a nasty sting wound. It was young and didn't make it through the night. One other thing to consider is size. We have a 6" Venustus and 2" loaches. Nobody bothers the loaches, but it might become a problem if the venustus gets much bigger and they fit in his mouth. I Know quite a few people who've had good luck with this combination. The loaches are able to defend themselves and get left alone.

 

[Snuff]

CA, I'm thinking about adding some of these to my new mbuna setup I am planning. I am getting some of the more tame mbunas, so I'm not too worried about that. How many should there be to make a good group?

 

[fishy frenzy]

a good group is 3 or 4 upward