Clowns Won't Play

[Cooky_luvs]

The title of this topic may seem strange but this is what happened. I had two little clown loaches, under 1 1/2 inch. I've had them for about 7 months. One was thin and "waisted away", I didn't know about waisting -away disease until he/she was gone. Well my remaining loach (named honey) seemed depressed, he started hiding all the time instead of swimming about like crazy all day, and no longer comes to see me at the top of the tank. So about 1 week ago I went out and bought a larger ( almost 3" clown) in hope that they'd become friends. haven't seen them together much though, at least not like the last ones. They hardly ever swim together and seem to avoid each other. The larger one is always out scrounging for food, the smaller is often still hiding. Any ideas folks?

~Danielle

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Im no expert on clowns, but as far as i know, they like to be in groups rather than pairs like corys- maybe if you get another 1-2 more clowns of similar size to your original one they'll probably spark up a bit. How long have you had the new clown?

 

[mikev]

Firstly, you need more. Most people will say 5, I myself just went from 4 to 6; but 3 is really the bare min.

Secondly, it is better to have them at about the same size (age), unless you have *many*. The best thing you can do right now would be to add one more, of the same size as your "honey", or -- if you want to be really nice -- slightly smaller than "honey". Or two small ones...

---

On the "Wasting Disease" --- there is no such thing. Saying that a clown died from Wasting Disease is the same as saying that a human died from a Sore Throat. The disease is a parasitic infection, usually worms, and it can be treated. The chances that your other clowns are infected are fairly high; in my rough estimates 30% or more of wild-caught loaches are.


HTH

 

[Teelie]

That may be so but most Clown Loaches are farm raised now. Clowns do need to be in a group of 3 minimum and will be more active that way. I would also think aquarium size factors in as well. Too small an aquarium will stress them out and make them act strangely.

 

[Cooky_luvs]

That may be so but most Clown Loaches are farm raised now. Clowns do need to be in a group of 3 minimum and will be more active that way. I would also think aquarium size factors in as well. Too small an aquarium will stress them out and make them act strangely.

Really I though two would be ok since the last two were, I guess the size is a factor then. Also yes I did treat the loaches for parasites when I found out about the cause of death of my other one. I'm going to get another loach like you guys suggested, it'll be a bit smaller than Honey, and hopefully that'll brigten up his day I'll be sure to treat the new loach for parasites too just incase.

P.S. My loaches are in my 55 so space shouldn't be a factor. Before long I am getting an even bigger tank for my Gibby, once that's up i'll move the loaches into there, since 3 might be pushing the 55's limits (once the loaches grow at least).

 

[mikev]

Really I though two would be ok since the last two were, I guess the size is a factor then.

Unfortunately, they also have personalities so you never know.

My new CL (shown here:
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=129186
) seems to be extremely aggressive (territorial?). He chases the other loach in the tank (not in a friendly way) and now he started chasing other fish which comes close to his cave.

I am beginning to think that getting a CL over 2.5" carries some risk ... like getting a young dog with already defined personality/habits.

 

[Cooky_luvs]

My big one is a nice guy/girl, just not very social for a loach. Hopefully a new smaller loach will work on getting the gang together. We'll find out I guess.

P.S. Hey should Yo-Yo Loaches have a group of 3 or more as well? I only have two. I had three but one was sickly when I bought him.

 

[mikev]

P.S. Hey should Yo-Yo Loaches have a group of 3 or more as well? I only have two. I had three but one was sickly when I bought him.

Most people would say five is the number for most Botia.

One probably can have fewer yoyo's (given their size, 5 will take lots of space); I did go with five and they seem to have formed a nice little gang.

 

[SamUK]

has anyone seen there clowns play dead???


mine all hang out on a rock outside there cave a couple of times a day. sunbathing i think lol.


well the other day i was watchin them and one of them slowly tipped over sideways till he was nearly upside down and stayed there for a few seconds before righting himself again.


it was well funny!! kept doing it too.


anyone else seen there clowns do anything funny?

 

[Cooky_luvs]

Ok so today I went out and got a new clown loach, he's smaller than Honey, and adorable It seems as if the plan has failed though (at least so far). Instead of Honey and the new guy becoming buddies, the new little one follows my biggest clown loach around. He is literally his shadow, (so that's what I've named the new one). It's the cutest thing to watch Shadow trail after my big loach. Hopefully Honey will decide to join in the action.

Shadow following the big guy

Update: They are all happily playing together now I'm glad it worked. I just caught all 3 of then "sun bathing" on som bogwood.

anyone else seen there clowns do anything funny?

Clown loaches sure are entertaining. Mine like to lay upside down and swim upside down at the surface even when it's not feeding time.