The Clown Loach 7/8cm 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.
At the Clown Loach 7/8cm 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.
Appearance & Personality of Clown Loach 7/8cm
The Clown Loach 7/8cm shows the classic clown loach look:
- 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
Clown loaches are also known for their quirky habits – the Clown Loach 7/8cm may rest on its side or “play dead”, especially when sleeping or feeling very relaxed, which can surprise new keepers.
Adult Size & Tank Requirements
While the Clown Loach 7/8cm is small now, this species is a long‑term commitment:
- 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
To keep Clown Loach 7/8cm healthy and active:
- 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
When conditions are right, a group of Clown Loach 7/8cm will become very active, exploring all levels of the tank and showing off their social interactions.
Tank Mates for Clown Loach 7/8cm
The Clown Loach 7/8cm is generally peaceful and works well in large community setups, but tank mate choice matters:
- 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.
Clown loaches are also excellent snail hunters – the Clown Loach 7/8cm will happily eat pest snails and can clear a tank of them over time.
Feeding Your Clown Loach 7/8cm
The Clown Loach 7/8cm accepts a wide variety of foods:
- 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
Because they are bottom‑dwellers and often more active at night, it can help to:
- 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
A varied, sinking diet will keep your Clown Loach 7/8cm in top condition and bring out their best colours and behaviour.
