Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Clown Loach's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
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Freshwater Fish
Catfish & Loaches
Common
Chromobotia macracanthus
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What to know before you buy.
Clown Loaches are beloved for their bright orange and black stripes and playful, social behavior. They are often sold as small juveniles but grow very large and live for a long time, requiring a very large aquarium. They are excellent for controlling snail populations but need to be kept in a sizable group.
Key traits
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Everything you need to keep Clown Loach healthy in a South African setup.
Size the aquarium to Clown Loach's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
Keep pH 6–7.5 and 24–30°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Clown Loach is an omnivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for freshwater fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Clown Loach is generally peaceful. Keep in a group where possible for natural behaviour.
Pair with similarly sized peaceful tankmates in freshwater fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding notes for Clown Loach vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
From hobbyists across SA.
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
SA price range this month: R55–500 · Average: R212
This data is unique to FishHub
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Species that typically work alongside Clown Loach in a similar setup.
Corydoras Sterbai
Corydoras sterbai
Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
Corydoras Bronze
Corydoras aeneus
Hillstream Loach
Sewellia lineolata
Weather Loach
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus