Aquarium species profile

Clown Loach

Chromobotia macracanthus · Southeast Asia (Sumatra, Borneo)

Minimum tank75 gal

Adult size12" (rarely in captivity)

Care levelModerate

TemperamentPeaceful

Temperature77–86°F

pH range6.0–7.5

Diet

Omnivore – sinking pellets, snails (natural predator), frozen worms, vegetables

Compatible tank mates

Large community fish, Silver Dollars, large tetras, peaceful cichlids

Tank mates to avoid

Aggressive fish, very small fish, invertebrates

Care notes

Slow-growing (10+ years to full size). Highly social; keep in groups of 5+. Play dead occasionally (normal). Excellent snail eaters. Sensitive to ich and copper.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

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