clown loaches

[ANIM4L]

I have a 60 gallon, as you see on the bottom, with only 2 loaches, i was recently told i should have about 5, do i have room??? if not i could always take them back and get a different type of loach, if i should then what kidn should i get and how many? OR would it work if i had 2 clowns and 3 other types of loaches to mix, would thye be happy then? I am just curious... thanks!

Also, how big do clown laoches get in captivity about?

 

[@ombomb]

I've seen pics of people's clowns that get up to 10"+ in an aquarium, so ultimately, no, you tank is too small for them. Unless you can commit to a larger tank soon, I would return the ones you have and look for something smaller like Queen loaches.

 

[ANIM4L]

is this what everyone else thinks or no, i would like anyones opininons, also, how slow do clowns grow, i heard like in 4 years only about 4 inches, so if they are that slow then that is cool with me, but i am just curious

 

[ANIM4L]

also, they seem pretty happy, they swim all the time just hanging out, and they love my oher fish, they dont seem unhappy, but i would like some opinions, i want my fish to be happy!

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Its true that clown loachs can reach a foot long each and although i am no sure on how fast they grow i would expect it to be alot more than an inch a year, most likely more like 1inch per 2months- if you had 5 loachs in an essence you would have 5ft of clown loach in a 60gal, your tank is already pretty stocked anyways. 3 is the minimum group number for clowns but i personally wouldn't add anymore fish to your tank.

 

[ANIM4L]

so should i get rid of my clown loaches or should i get one more? I guess i can always go find another typ of loach that is cool, but what kind should i get? I want something peaceful and pretty

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I would personally rehome them as adding another loach would be pushing your tank stocking limits alot, i know they are not loachs but if you like the look and personality of clown loachs you should check out corys- they also grow alot smaller and come in many color and pattern variations .

 

[emma12321]

Hi AMIM4L,

Take a look at this site for info about different loaches
http/www.loaches.com/species_index.html

I'd swap the clowns for zebra loach (botia striata) as they are just as active and cute but don't get huge. Clowns grow pretty fast up to about 4 inches then the growth slows slightly. They can get 12" in an average size tank and can live for over 40 years.

Hope this helps

Emma

 

[smithrc]

they do grow VERY slowly... 1" a year is not an under exageration.

we have had 4 for 2 years now - 3 have grown about 1.5" - the 4th hasnt grown atall (we call him Tiny)

so with the new 100gal tank - we agged 3 more

when the time comes (in MANY years to come - we will either have turned the garage into a massive tank - or we'll sell them.

a 60gal will be fine for a long time.

I'd get at least 4 as they like their own company

 

[ANIM4L]

so then should i keep the clowns for a couple years and get 1 or 2 mroe or should i get bran dnew loaches?

 

[smithrc]

"a couple of years" could well be 5/6 if you get small ones

I love clowns so I'm biased

 

[The-Wolf]

clown loaches grow very fast upto about 6",
then the growth rate slows to approx 1" per year.
a 10" clown loach could be guessed at being around 9 years old.

 

[LoachLover]

In that size tank I'd put at least 5. They CAN get to a foot long but it usually doesn't happen, average is about 6 - 9 inches.

 

[ANIM4L]

ok im going to the store and getting 2 more, or 3 if i find babys thanks a lot everyone, u guys have been a really big help!

 

[LoachLover]

Glad to help, hope to be seeing pictures