first and foremost, loaches need to be kept in groups of at least five, they are very social fish. additionally, clown loaches grow large and need to be kept in a minimum of 55 gallons (4 foot tank). loaches absolutely love bloodworms, but will also enjoy fresh vegetables as mentioned above - cucumber and peas (remove the shell) are perhaps the most common veggies loachaholics provide.
what do you mean by they stay in a column? loaches are often lazy fish when its not feeding time. they will all cram into a hiding place such as a pipe or cave, often in interesting positions. dont be surprised to see a loach laying on the bottom upside down or on its side, they often play dead but are actually just relaxing. when feeding time is approaching, they are very energetic and will almost always be going the "loachy dance" along a front corner of the aquarium. it's as if theyre dancing, trying to get your attention to come feed them. i was laying in bed watching my Botia kubotai this morning - they seemed to know i was waking up and started dancing to be fed. feed them at the same time everyday, usually in the morning and night, most all fish love a routine schedule.
