Clown Loach, lat. Chromobotia macracanthus- Chromobotia macracanthus distribution
Family: Botiidae;
Genus: Chromobotia;
Species and synonyms: Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus, Botia macracantha, Clown Loach, Tiger Botia).
GBIF:
Clown Loach (lat. Chromobotia macracanthus) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cypriniformes, family Botiidae, genus Chromobotia. One of the most popular and recognizable aquarium fish, known for its bright coloration and playful behavior.
Distribution. The natural range of the Clown Loach covers rivers and streams of Indonesia, mainly on the islands of Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sumatra. The fish prefer clear, well-oxygenated waters with moderate flow, sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in rivers and backwaters.
Care requirements. The Clown Loach is a large fish, growing up to 15–20 cm in the aquarium and up to 30 cm in the wild. To keep a group (minimum 5–6 specimens), an aquarium of at least 300 liters with a length of 120 cm is recommended. It is important to keep them in schools, as they are social fish and become shy without companions. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–30°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Powerful filtration, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, large driftwood, stones and shelters (caves, ceramic pipes) are placed at the bottom. Plants should have tough leaves.
Clown Loaches are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, snails, worms and vegetation in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality sinking pellets, flakes, live and frozen foods (bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, daphnia, shrimp, snails). It is important to provide a varied diet. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Clown Loaches are active in the lower and middle water layers. They are active, playful and may show curiosity towards their surroundings. They are peaceful towards fish of similar size, but may be aggressive towards slow-moving fish with veiltail fins. Recommended tankmates include barbs, danios, large tetras, angelfish, other loaches, catfish. It is not recommended to keep them with slow-moving fish and with fish that cannot tolerate high temperatures.
Breeding in home aquariums is extremely difficult and rarely occurs in hobby aquariums. Clown Loaches are egg-laying fish, but spawning requires special conditions and hormonal stimulation. Sexual differences are weakly expressed: females are usually larger and fuller-bodied than males. In the aquarium hobby, most fish come from the wild or specialized farms.
The Clown Loach gets its name from its bright orange-yellow coloration with three wide black stripes and a red caudal fin, resembling a clown's outfit. Juvenile fish are especially bright. It is one of the most intelligent and active fish, capable of producing clicking sounds. Life expectancy is 10–15 years or more.