Clown Loach 7/8cm
The Clown Loach 7/8cm is a vibrant, social bottom‑dweller with bold orange and black stripes and loads of personality. Growing into a large, active schooling fish, the Clown Loach 7/8cm is best suited to big, well‑filtered aquariums with soft sand, hiding spots and a group of its own kind.
Appearance & Personality of Clown Loach 7/8cm
- Vibrant orange base colour with three bold black stripes
- Red or deep orange fins and nose as they mature
- Long, slightly arched body designed for life along the bottom
- Sand‑sifting behaviour similar to oversized Corydoras
Adult Size & Tank Requirements
- Can reach around 20–25cm in the home aquarium (up to ~30cm in some cases)
- Must be kept in a group of at least 5 or more for proper social behaviour
- Needs a large aquarium – around 680L or more for a proper group
- Provide a soft sandy substrate so they can sift and rest comfortably
- Add caves, tunnels, driftwood and hiding spots for security
- Maintain a water temperature of approx. 24–30°C
- Aim for a pH of around 6.5–7.5 with good, stable water quality
Tank Mates for Clown Loach 7/8cm
- Usually compatible: Peaceful community fish such as giant danios, angelfish, yoyo loaches, Corydoras, gourami and other medium‑sized community species.
- Sometimes compatible: Very small or slow‑moving fish like neon tetras or tiny rasboras can be outcompeted for food and may not be ideal long‑term.
- Rarely compatible: Super territorial cichlids (e.g. Dovii), large predatory catfish or any fish big enough to attempt to swallow a clown loach. Clown loaches have sharp cheek spines that can lodge in a predator’s mouth, often killing both fish.
Feeding Your Clown Loach 7/8cm
- Quality sinking pellets and wafers as a staple
- Sinking flakes and granules
- Frozen and live foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp
- Occasional treats like insect‑based foods and vegetables
- Use a baster or feeding tube to deliver food directly to the bottom
- Offer a small dedicated feed after lights out so Clown Loach 7/8cm gets its share
Clown Loach 7/8cm



