Clown Loach
Chromobotia macracanthus
Synonyms Tiger botia · Botia macracanthus · Clown botia
Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 30 cm (11.8 in) and swims along the bottom in a shoal. It wants 75–86°F (24–30°C) and pH 5–7, is kept in groups of 5 or more, and needs a tank of at least 648 L (171 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 30 cm (11.8 in) |
| Minimum tank | 648 L (171 gal) |
| Group size | 5 or more |
| Temperature | 75–86°F (24–30°C) |
| pH | 5–7 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Clown Loach needs at least 648 L (171 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 180P.
- Keep 5 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 10 cm (3.9 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Rummy Nose Tetra and Crystal Red Shrimp.
- It holds at 75–86°F (24–30°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
- Do not put it with Bladder Snail, Cherry Shrimp and Crystal Red Shrimp.
- It can go wrong with Amano Shrimp, Mystery Snail and Nerite Snail — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- It eats soft-leaved plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
- A group of 5 takes up roughly 68% of what a 180P will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 648 L (171 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 180P.
How many should I keep?
5 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
75–86°F (24–30°C), pH 5–7.
How long does it live?
10–15 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Julii Cory.
- Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.
Often compared with
| Clown Loach | Dojo Loach | Yoyo Loach | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 30 cm | 28 cm | 16 cm |
| Min tank | 648 L | 243 L | 243 L |
| Group | 5+ | 1+ | 5+ |
| Temperature | 75–86°F (24–30°C) | 64–74°F (17.8–23.3°C) | 66–82°F (19–27.5°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | Yes |
More livestock
Sources (6) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Adult sizeaquariumcoop.com
- Mature tankseriouslyfish.com
- en.wikipedia.org
- gofishaquariums.com.au
- petmedaily.com
- smartaquariumguide.com