whats wrong with my loach?

[duckaduck]

hello everyone

its cool to see a website dedicated to just loaches!
im new to keeping fish, my dad helped me set up a new tank before he left for asia, im 14, and since my dad isnt around to tell me whats up i thought i would ask here

but anyway, onto my problem,

i have one loach in my tank and last night before i went to sleep i noticed he was on his side, i thought he might have been dead. but he wasnt floating, he was just on his side behind a rock, is this normal for loaches? or will it die?

thanks.

[Emma Turner]

Hi duckaduck, and welcome to Loaches Online.

Could you tell us what type of loach you have, what size tank you have, and how long the tank has been set up for?

Some members of the Botiine family will lie on their side when relaxed and in good conditions. At first sight this can cause alarm, but if all the fish's needs are being met and water parameters test out ok, then it is probably nothing to worry about.

If your loach is a member of the Botia family, you will need another 4+ in order to meet the species social needs.

Hope this helps,

Emma

[tattooedgemini]

yeah, my loaches like to nap on their sides...especially the clowns...sometimes the yo-yo's are caught doing it too, but they are usually out and about exploring....
also agree with emma, need more to make him happy....

[duckaduck]

thanks for replying

my loach is a clown loach
i dont actually know the size of my tankbut i will link a photo.

ive had it for about a week now

heres my tank, i think its 9 gallons but i have no idea

http://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u26/ ... GP0571.jpg
http://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u26/ ... GP0578.jpg

[Emma Turner]

No problem. However, you really need to decide on what to do for teh wellbeing of this fish. You either need to upgrade to a larger tank within the next couple of months, or else return the loach to a reputable store where it can be sold for a more appropriately sized aquarium. If kept in cramped conditions for too long, this will stunt it's growth and this in turn can cause health problems. Have a good read of our in-depth profile of the species to get a better idea of what's required: http://www.loaches.com/species-index/cl ... cracanthus The store this loach was bought from should have made it clear how large a size they can attain and what is needed in the way of proper housing. As has been mentioned above, they desperately need to be kept in groups of 5 or more, a life of solitary confinement is very unkind. The problem you have is that the current aquarium is not large enough long-term for one, let alone more. It's a dilemma that is going to need some thinking about.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Emma

[mistergreen]

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beat me to it


Hey,
welcome to this forum.

here's some info on your clown
http://www.loaches.com/species-index/cl ... cracanthus

they grow to be something like 16"... So they'll get big. You have a baby clown and it looks like you have a 10 gallon tank there. It's much too small for this fish. If you can, return the clown back to the fish store unless you guys are planning to get a bigger tank eventually.

and don't leave the lights on too long either.. maybe 7-8 hours. You'll wind up with unsightly algae otherwise.

[duckaduck]

oh no!!.

the last thing i want is a dead loach, i saw some massive loaches at the store, they were about 6" and i thought that was big! but 16" thats huge!!

i have a freind with a big tank, ill ask him if he would like the loach..

its a pity, i really like this fish, maybe i can get a bigger tank someday.

thanks for all the advice.

[mvigor]

duckaduck, you have a beautiful planted aquarium. The clown should go back, but don't get discouraged! Keep up the good work.

[tariesindanrie]

That is a lovely tank, duckaduck!

Kate