Have you ever seen clown loaches at your local fish store or at a friend's place? You probably thought they were really cool and wanted to pick some up, but maybe you weren’t sure. Now, we are going to run through all the pros and cons and some potential pitfalls to avoid so you’re fully prepared if you decide to take the plunge!

What Are Clown Loaches?

Here’s a look at my little group of clown loaches. These awesome fish come from Indonesia and are known for their striking patterns and vibrant colors. With orange and dark tiger stripes, clown loaches are truly eye-catching. But they’re also known for some quirky behavior, and they’ve got a few surprises in store for you!

One thing to keep in mind is that clown loaches are often misunderstood because of their sleeping habits. They have a tendency to sleep on their sides and lay around motionless, which can sometimes cause a little heart attack for new owners. So be mindful that you might think they’re dead when they’re just napping.

Quirky and Fun: The Sounds and Behaviors

Another cool feature of clown loaches is their unique clicking noise. When they’re really happy, you might actually hear an audible clicking sound, which is something pretty special to these guys. It’s a nice little treat if you're lucky enough to catch it!

Size Considerations: Are They Too Big?

The biggest reason I’d recommend some people steer away from clown loaches is their size. These guys can grow *exceptionally* big—up to 16 to 20 inches (about 50 cm) in some cases! That’s massive, and it can be a challenge to accommodate them in most aquariums. Even larger tanks like a 75-gallon or 40-gallon might not be enough space for a fully grown clown loach.

The good news is, it takes *a long time* for them to reach that size, so you’ve got time to upgrade their tank. You could start with a smaller tank and work your way up over the years, as it’s going to take quite a few years before they reach their full adult size. But it’s definitely something to consider—these fish are a long-term commitment, with a lifespan of 10 to 20 years when given proper care.

Water Parameters and Tank Setup

When setting up your tank, clown loaches prefer soft, slightly acidic water. Aim for a pH range around 6 to 7. Keep in mind that they are not plant-safe. Clown loaches will often poke little pinholes and shred plants, so if you’ve got a finely aquascaped tank, these guys might not be the best fit. For example, I have a poor Java fern in the back that’s been shredded due to their boisterous nature.

They are peaceful and have a calm temperament, so they generally get along with other community fish. However, clown loaches are scaleless, which makes them more susceptible to diseases like Ich and other external parasites. Therefore, they should be housed with peaceful tankmates. Fish like rainbowfish, tetras, or giant danios are great choices. Avoid cichlids or any aggressive fish that might pick at or stress out your clown loaches.

Feeding Your Clown Loaches

Clown loaches have an omnivorous diet, and they’re bottom dwellers. As such, they’ll happily eat sinking foods and will also go after snails—good news if you’re trying to get rid of unwanted snails in your aquarium. But keep in mind, they are not shrimp or snail-safe, so if you’ve got those types of creatures in your tank, clown loaches might not be the best choice.

They also enjoy crustaceans and other similar foods. But overall, they are bottom feeders and will thrive on a variety of sinking foods.

Social Fish: The More, the Merrier

Clown loaches are very social creatures. In fact, they love hanging out with other clown loaches. Ideally, you should keep them in groups of 6 to 10. Given their eventual size, that means you’ll need a large tank. For a group of clown loaches, I recommend at least a 75-gallon tank, although a 6-foot tank would be even better. An 8-foot long aquarium would be the ultimate option for them, especially when they start growing up to their full size.

These fish love to hide and interact with their environment. I’ve set up a few hollow logs and caves in my tank, and the clown loaches love swimming through them. They’ll spend a lot of time hiding and exploring, so it’s important to provide plenty of places for them to interact with.

Final Thoughts: Are Clown Loaches Worth It?

So, are clown loaches worth it? Absolutely! If you can provide the right environment for them, they make fantastic pets. They're peaceful, social, and unique, and they can bring a lot of joy to your tank. 

Even though they’re not plant-safe and can get quite large, I still highly recommend them, especially if you’re not overly attached to your plants and can give them the space they need. If you’re a planted aquarium enthusiast like me, and I’m still recommending them despite their plant-shredding habits, you know it must be a great fish!