My Loaches

[wezzie]

Hi,
I just have a question or two about my Clowns. I bought my first two Clowns about a year ago not knowing what I was buying until I brought them home. I hadn't had much luck with smaller fish, and I also wanted to add some color to the aquarium. I found mine in a local pet store. After getting them home I pulled up your forum, read that I should at least have three or more so I bought one more. I noticed that the first two didn't really want to have much to do with the third one, so I bought a fourth. Now 1,2,&4 are the best of buds and 3 is always resting at the other end of the tank. The Clowns mind you do hang together as a group but at resting times 1,2,&4 are always fighting for position in their favorite hiding place. Number 3 is different in apperance, kind of stocky where the others are longer in length. My question is: is it possible that I have a female in the mix? I can't say enough how much I enjoy these fish.
We are moving to a new home in a couple of months and I really need to put up a larger tank. How far in advance should I set the new tank up before I move them? I would be devestated if I lost either one of these clowns, they have at least doubled in size since I purchased them and are now at least 4" long and about 1" or so in hight, except for no. 3 at about 31/2" by 1 1/4".
Thank you for any replys,
Wezzie

[LUVaLOACH]

wezzie,

Hello and welcome. I can only answer part of your questions and hopefully one of the clown experts will come along to help you out with the other part of your question.

You will need to get another tank at some time in the future to keep these fellas healthy and happy. Many on here suggest 6ft X 2ft at a minimum. As far as setting up your new tank here is a great read:

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/f ... ycling.php

I hope this helps some and good luck to you.

Krista

[wezzie]

Krista,
I thank you for your input. I have printed out the information you suggested and will use the information.

Have a great day,
Wezzie

[Emma Turner]

Hi Wezzie, welcome to Loaches Online.

It would be virtually impossible to sex the clown loaches you have because of their small size. Even in larger specimens, it is not always easy. There is also the possibilty that you have fish from two different collection locations, as many of us here have noticed differences not only in colour/markings, but also in head shape. Some are very round-faced and 'dolphin-like' whereas others have longer pointy snouts. Usually all get on really well together. If the one who doesn't appear quite so sociable is the smallest (length wise) she/he is probably lowest in the pecking order and may be getting slightly bossed about. If you have the space in this tank, it would be worth increasing the number of clowns, maybe adding another few smaller specimens (at the same time). As Krista has already mentioned, you need to be looking at a tank measuring at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft with corresponding filtration for adult specimens.

Here is our profile which should help with ideas on a future tank for yours: http://www.loaches.com/species-index/cl ... cracanthus

And this article on regional variations may be of interest too: http://www.loaches.com/articles/clown-l ... variations

Emma