Loach Sizes - Massive Differences

[mrlewis1978]

Hi guys

In my 3 different tanks I have 3 different shoals of loaches. In one 6 zebra loach, in one 6 clown loach, in one 6 burmese loach (botia histronica). All of the shoals were bought at the same time as juveniles so they should be roughly the same age, but in each of my shoals there are massive size differences. For example in the clowns there are 2 around an inch longer and much fatter (where an inch is a lot on a 2 inch fish). Exactly the same in the other shoals. Is this due to hormones released relating to their social structure? Is this a gender issue? All the fish are happy, healthy and active, its just curiosity making me ask. Some of you guys have kept loaches for years so im sure you must have encountered similar.

Cheers

 

[mrlewis1978]

Anyone?

 

[thereverendturtle]

I've noticed this with most botia type loaches. I personally think it has to do with the hierarchy of the group.

 

[phoenixgsd]

i have khuli loaches 4 were bought at the same time and were really tiny, about 1", 3 are growing but one is still only one inch its alot lighter in colour i often thought there was something wrong with it

 

[Crossfire]

i have khuli loaches 4 were bought at the same time and were really tiny, about 1", 3 are growing but one is still only one inch its alot lighter in colour i often thought there was something wrong with it

It probably means you have more than one species of kuhli loach!
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/386784-different-species-of-kuhli-loach/page__p__3250126__fromsearch__1#entry3250126