Clown loach size: how big does it get?

Adults reach about 30 cm. The largest on record measured 30.5 cm (total length). The largest of the 4 Botiidae species on LumaReef (Dwarf chain loach is the smallest, 5.5 cm).

Clown loach tank size: what is the minimum?

A tank at least 180 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Living room tank or larger.

Clown loach water parameters: what does it need?

Temperature 25–30 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 3–12 °dGH. Warmer than most Botiidae on LumaReef (21–27 °C).

Clown loach tank mates: what can it live with?

It gets along with 54 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Discus, Freshwater angelfish, and Sailfin molly.

Clown loach and plants: is it plant safe?

No, it may eat or uproot plants.

FreshwaterComing soon350 coinsRare5,000 in the worldSee how many are left

Clown loach

Chromobotia macracanthus

A social fish that lives twenty years, clicks, and sleeps wedged sideways.

The Clown loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is a tropical freshwater fish of the family Botiidae. It lives on the bottom. Adults grow to about 30 cm; the largest on record measured 30.5 cm (total length). In the aquarium it needs a tank at least 180 cm long and water at 25–30 °C.

Size: 30 cm
Smallest tank: 180 cm
Temperature: 25–30 °C
Care: Moderate

In the aquarium

Temperature25–30 °C

pH6.0–7.5

Hardness3–12 °dGH

Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Moderate
Water layer: Bottom
Group: Happiest in a group of 5 or more
Plants: Eats plants

These values are compiled from real species data, and the LumaReef simulation is built to keep them true to life.

Which tank it fits

Nano60 cm · 65 litresToo small
Standard90 cm · 180 litresToo small
Wide120 cm · 300 litresToo small
Living room180 cm · 650 litres14 of them
Showcase250 cm · 1,200 litres26 of them
Gallery300 cm · 1,440 litres32 of them

Who it lives with

Gets along54 species

and 30 more species

Caution29 species

Not together16 species

Water temperatures do not overlap

Aggressive with peaceful

In the wild

Water type: Freshwater
Climate zone: Tropical
Habitat: On the bottom
Largest on record: 30.5 cmtotal length
Aquarium trade: Very common

Conservation status

Classification

OrderCypriniformes
FamilyBotiidae
GenusChromobotia
SpeciesChromobotia macracanthus

In other languages

German: Prachtschmerle
Spanish: Botia payaso
Russian: Боция-клоун
Japanese: クラウンローチ

Quick answers

Clown loach size: how big does it get?: Adults reach about 30 cm. The largest on record measured 30.5 cm (total length). The largest of the 4 Botiidae species on LumaReef (Dwarf chain loach is the smallest, 5.5 cm).
Clown loach tank size: what is the minimum?: A tank at least 180 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Living room tank or larger.
Clown loach water parameters: what does it need?: Temperature 25–30 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 3–12 °dGH. Warmer than most Botiidae on LumaReef (21–27 °C).
Clown loach tank mates: what can it live with?: It gets along with 54 of the 99 freshwater species in the catalogue, such as Discus, Freshwater angelfish, and Sailfin molly.
Clown loach: alone or in a group?: Keep at least 5 together.
Clown loach and plants: is it plant safe?: No, it may eat or uproot plants.