{"product_id":"clown-loach-7-8cm","title":"Clown Loach 7\/8cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eClown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mb-1 mt-2 whitespace-pre-line leading-relaxed first:mt-0\" data-sentry-component=\"P\" data-sentry-source-file=\"p.tsx\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eClown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most popular bottom‑dwelling aquarium fish in the hobby. With their bright orange bodies, jet‑black bands and playful behaviour, clown loaches are a real favourite for aquarists who can provide the space they need as adults.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mb-1 mt-2 whitespace-pre-line leading-relaxed first:mt-0\" data-sentry-component=\"P\" data-sentry-source-file=\"p.tsx\"\u003eAt the \u003cstrong\u003eClown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/strong\u003e size, these fish are still juveniles, but they have the potential to grow into impressive, chunky loaches that become the stars of a large community tank.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Personality of Clown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mb-1 mt-2 whitespace-pre-line leading-relaxed first:mt-0\" data-sentry-component=\"P\" data-sentry-source-file=\"p.tsx\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eClown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/strong\u003e shows the classic clown loach look:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVibrant orange base colour with three bold black stripes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed or deep orange fins and nose as they mature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong, slightly arched body designed for life along the bottom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSand‑sifting behaviour similar to oversized Corydoras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mb-1 mt-2 whitespace-pre-line leading-relaxed first:mt-0\" data-sentry-component=\"P\" data-sentry-source-file=\"p.tsx\"\u003eClown loaches are also known for their quirky habits – the \u003cstrong\u003eClown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/strong\u003e may rest on its side or “play dead”, especially when sleeping or feeling very relaxed, which can surprise new keepers.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdult Size \u0026amp; Tank Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mb-1 mt-2 whitespace-pre-line leading-relaxed first:mt-0\" data-sentry-component=\"P\" data-sentry-source-file=\"p.tsx\"\u003eWhile the \u003cstrong\u003eClown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/strong\u003e is small now, this species is a long‑term commitment:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan reach around 20–25cm in the home aquarium (up to ~30cm in some cases)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMust be kept in a group of at least 5 or more for proper social behaviour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeeds a large aquarium – around 680L or more for a proper group\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mb-1 mt-2 whitespace-pre-line leading-relaxed first:mt-0\" data-sentry-component=\"P\" data-sentry-source-file=\"p.tsx\"\u003eTo keep \u003cstrong\u003eClown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/strong\u003e healthy and active:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide a soft sandy substrate so they can sift and rest comfortably\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd caves, tunnels, driftwood and hiding spots for security\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain a water temperature of approx. 24–30°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAim for a pH of around 6.5–7.5 with good, stable water quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mb-1 mt-2 whitespace-pre-line leading-relaxed first:mt-0\" data-sentry-component=\"P\" data-sentry-source-file=\"p.tsx\"\u003eWhen conditions are right, a group of \u003cstrong\u003eClown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/strong\u003e will become very active, exploring all levels of the tank and showing off their social interactions.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTank Mates for Clown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mb-1 mt-2 whitespace-pre-line leading-relaxed first:mt-0\" data-sentry-component=\"P\" data-sentry-source-file=\"p.tsx\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eClown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/strong\u003e is generally peaceful and works well in large community setups, but tank mate choice matters:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUsually compatible:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful community fish such as giant danios, angelfish, yoyo loaches, Corydoras, gourami and other medium‑sized community species.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSometimes compatible:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very small or slow‑moving fish like neon tetras or tiny rasboras can be outcompeted for food and may not be ideal long‑term.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRarely compatible:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mb-1 mt-2 whitespace-pre-line leading-relaxed first:mt-0\" data-sentry-component=\"P\" data-sentry-source-file=\"p.tsx\"\u003eClown loaches are also excellent snail hunters – the \u003cstrong\u003eClown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/strong\u003e will happily eat pest snails and can clear a tank of them over time.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding Your Clown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mb-1 mt-2 whitespace-pre-line leading-relaxed first:mt-0\" data-sentry-component=\"P\" data-sentry-source-file=\"p.tsx\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eClown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/strong\u003e accepts a wide variety of foods:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality sinking pellets and wafers as a staple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSinking flakes and granules\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen and live foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccasional treats like insect‑based foods and vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mb-1 mt-2 whitespace-pre-line leading-relaxed first:mt-0\" data-sentry-component=\"P\" data-sentry-source-file=\"p.tsx\"\u003eBecause they are bottom‑dwellers and often more active at night, it can help to:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a baster or feeding tube to deliver food directly to the bottom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOffer a small dedicated feed after lights out so \u003cstrong\u003eClown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/strong\u003e gets its share\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mb-1 mt-2 whitespace-pre-line leading-relaxed first:mt-0\" data-sentry-component=\"P\" data-sentry-source-file=\"p.tsx\"\u003eA varied, sinking diet will keep your \u003cstrong\u003eClown Loach 7\/8cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in top condition and bring out their best colours and behaviour.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Aquarium Haven \u0026 Brisbane Discus","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43689872654424,"sku":"LOACH-CL7\/8CM","price":40.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0704\/0152\/3800\/files\/Clown-Loach_ff22ca3b-7f5e-4721-8d26-9f991e287916.webp?v=1769237363","url":"https:\/\/aquariumhaven.com.au\/products\/clown-loach-7-8cm","provider":"Aquarium Haven \u0026 Brisbane Discus","version":"1.0","type":"link"}