Loaches Online Forum

I was wondering if anyone could help me.. I have a couple of Clown Loaches, one is acting very strangely, and has a habit of going to a spot in the tank, usually the same one, and lies down, first at an angle and then moves himself so he can lie flat. He will lie there for about an hour or so unless disturbed. He does this regularly but after a while he will get up and act normal... He is bright and looks healthy with no signs of disease, and eats well too. Does anyone have any idea what this may be? I'm lost!

Hi Ursi, this behaviour is nothing to worry about

It is very common with clowns and most Botiine Loaches that they lay down when resting, some even turn upside down.

It can be very disconcerting when it first starts happening but you will get used to it.

Ah thanks I can stop worrying about him now! thanks

I have one that regularly 'Plays dead' by lying down behind a bark slab. Sure looks scary! But not to worry, as Mad Duff says, this is normal behavior.
Uh.. I have not seen the others do this, should I worry about them?

Instead of worry, you take your clown as an example. lay down and enyoj in their behaviour

p.s. No need to turn yourself on the head

Diana wrote:I have one that regularly 'Plays dead' by lying down behind a bark slab. Sure looks scary! But not to worry, as Mad Duff says, this is normal behavior.
Uh.. I have not seen the others do this, should I worry about them?

Diana, they are probably doing it someplace where you can't see them. I have one that will only 'relax' inside a hollowed-out log decoration where he's completely hidden. Also have one that just sort of drapes himself across a cave opening sideways when he feel the urge to lie about. They are peculiar, that's for sure

Kate

Hi Ursi_ and welcome to Loaches Online.

Thought you might like to see this thread, which shows one of my XL clown loaches resting completely upside down: http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php?t=7757

Emma

Thanks everyone, has put my mind to rest, i did notice he is starting to lie upside down when he manages to get turned round! As he is quite small I dont think he has enough weight in him yet!

Remember to keep the low spot in your tank the fish sleeps in very clean. When my Clowns do this it is typically in a low flow spot in the tank which will naturaly collect debris and other matter as a result of hydrodynamics of your filter system however it is configured. This could lead to a fish lying in waste if they are laying out of view and flow .This potentially can be dangerous and deadly if you are not vigil. Never make the most inviting spot for a nap the lowest spot in your tank decor no matter your style of aquarium or filtration.