Loaches
Clown Loach
Botia Macracantha Description
The
clown loach is an aquarium favorite because of it's bold stripes and
peaceful nature. When kept in a group the clown loaches always look
spectacular swimming in a school around the aquarium floor.
The
body is a strong orange which is broken up by three black bands. The
front band extends across the eye while the last band continues up into
the dorsal fin. The other fins and mouth barbells also show orange
colouring.
The clown loach body shape is ideal for it's
preferred natural habitat. The fish's bottom surface is flat allowing
it to hug the aquarium substrate while water flows over the streamlined
upper body. Occasionally they may also venture into mid-water,
especially when swimming as a school.
Feeding
Clown
loaches are shy fish preferring dense plant cover to open water. These
loaches are most active during the evening and twilight hours. During
this time they will emerge and forage on the aquarium substrate.
Offering tasty foods such as bloodworms can coax them into view during
daylight hours. Alternately aquarium lighting can be manipulated to
mimic twilight conditions.
Clown Loach Profile
Family - Cobitatae
Size - 10-12 cm
Fish Origin - South East Asia and extreme Northern Africa
Water - Adapts to wide range of water conditions
Temperature - Acclimatises to temperatures from 24°C to 30°C
Feeding - Undemanding, feed a general tropical food and bloodworms
Sexing - No distinguishing features
Breeding - Rare in captivity
Aquarium - Best kept in a school of it's own kind with other community fish
Although often larger than it's tank mates, clown loaches usually show no
aggression toward the other aquarium fish. Most community aquariums
will be a good home for the clown loach.
About the Kuhli Loach
Species Type: Freshwater Fish
Category: Cyprinids and Atherinids
Care
Level: Very Easy. Will tolerate a wide range of water parameters
including pH, temperature and hardness. Can tolerate higher nitrate
levels than other fish and is hardy enough to withstand the cycling
process. Will readily eat prepared foods and has no special care
requirements.
Origin: Indonesia
Compatibility/Temperament: 1
Description
Kuhli
loaches are commonly available and are often confused with other kuhli
species. They have serpentine bodies and will grow to 4-5 inches
maximum. Allow a minimum tank size of 20 inches for a group of 6.Five
is the minimum number recommended when buying them for best results.
They tend to show up less if kept in a smaller group.
Kuhlis are excellent at hiding even in the most awkward places so do
not be surprised if you find them resting inside filter intakes.
A tank furnished with several hiding places, plants and soft substrate
will help them feel secure. Hardy as they may be, like other loaches,
they should be kept in well-established tanks.
Picture provided by kateyoup and profile provided by Lupin.
Tophat665: Kuhlis are less sensitive to dissolved organics than other
loaches, and do fine in a tank with a layer of mulm. That said, they
are more sensitive to the various nitrogen bearing toxins than other
loaches and should only be put in a well cycled aquarium. Note that
kuhlis will wriggle into tight places and with their tiny to
non-existent scales have little or no proection from sharp edges. I
have personally had a kuhli slit itself open gills to gizzard on a too
sharp rock. Given a sand substrate, kuhlis will burrow, and can be
relied upon to keep the sand free of anaerobic pockets.
Kuhli Loach Diet
They are easy to feed on various foods.
Size
Ideal water parameters for Kuhli Loach
The
Kuhli Loach should be kept in an aquarium with the temperature ranging
from 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and a Ph of around 6.5.