Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus)
| Clown Loach Chromobotia macracanthus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Clown Loach |
| Name Lat. | Chromobotia macracanthus |
| Synonym | Botia macracantha |
| Family | Pointface Loaches |
| Family lat. | Botiidae |
| Order | Carps |
| Order lat. | Cypriniformes |
| Origin | Indonesia, Sumatra |
| Habitat | Tributaries, forest streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 5.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 15-20 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 15-30 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 500 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 6"-12" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 130 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the clown loach is Borneo and Sumatra (Indonesia). They live mostly in shady rainforest rivers and their tributaries with muddy bottoms, covered with dead wood, roots and foliage.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting, shady hiding places (roots, stones, caves), subdued light (floating plants), sufficient swimming space and a weak current. In order not to injure their barbels, a fine-grained substrate (sand, round gravel) is ideal, which can be covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves)
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food supply consists of live food, such as snails, daphnia, mysis, artemia and mosquito larvae, which are also eaten in frozen form without any problems, plus commercially available, frozen special food mixtures, supplemented with high-quality dry food (flakes, granules, tablets). In addition, they need regular vegetable food, such as zucchini, avocado, broccoli or scalded spinach, as well as dry food with high vegetable content (e.g. spirulina, kelp).
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms. Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
They are peaceful, sociable and swimming fish, which can be well socialized in the group with not too small fish. Individually kept animals sometimes behave aggressively towards other fish. At least 5 loaches should be kept together.
In principle, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
There are no definite distinguishing characteristics. Adult females are slightly larger and rounder than males of the same age.
Reproduction and breeding
There is no definite knowledge about their spawning behavior. During the rainy season they migrate long distances to the spawning waters, with older animals also remaining stationary.
Breeding in the aquarium has so far been successful only sporadically.
Important
In the aquarium they rarely grow larger than 16 cm
They are predominantly crepuscular and usually remain hidden in caves or under rocks and roots during the day. The tank needs a good cover, because they jump occasionally
By rapidly sucking in and expelling water through their mouths, they can produce clearly audible cracking sounds that are probably important for territorial behavior. A strict hierarchy prevails within the group
Temperatures below 24 °C are not tolerated in the long run.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH value, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF