Possibilities for Clown Companions

[MTS]

I’ve removed the angelfish that were in my 100+ gallon tank and speeded up the water movement a bit with an additional powerhead. The tank contains 6 clown loaches (3” and smaller), a regular ancistrus and a long-finned one (both males).

I’m looking for tankmates but I am limited by what is available. There is a local fish club auction coming up so if I can have some good suggestions from this group, perhaps I will find suitable fish at the auction.

Also, warnings of unsuitable fish are appreciated too.

[Eyrie]

A shoal of Puntius denisonii would appreciate both the room and the current.

[MTS]

They are beautiful fish but not very common here. I'll look for them but I need some other suggestions too.

[Emma Turner]

Long-term, Puntius denisonii tend to do better in cooler temperatures compared to that in which clown loaches should be kept. However, the barb (Puntius) family is huge and diverse, and there are many other medium-sized species which make great companions for clown loaches. Be aware that many will eat plants though. Also worth considering are some of the larger species from the Rasbora and rainbowfish families. Some of the larger, deeper bodied characins (tetras) would also do well, but not everyone wants to mix fish from different continents. Do check first to ensure any particular species can handle the warmer temps and current that clown loaches prefer.

Hope this helps,

Emma

[Botia Robert]

Do some research online. Find a fish profiles site such as http://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/databank_group.php and investigate all parameters, such as growth size, aggression, water chemistry requirements, tank decor requirements etc.

Especially consider tempreture. Clowns like warm temps. This stretches the comfort zone of many barbs, but the clown barb (Puntius Evereti) likes warm temps. If you have a large tank you could consider the Bala Shark.

The Dennison Barb would be highly unsuitable with Clown Loaches due to the tempreture requirements of each species.