Loaches Online Forum

I have three kubotai and one histrionica.

They loaches have recently taken to standing in the corner of the aquarium. Usually it's just two of the kubotai, but sometimes the others join in. Sometimes they climb over each other to get higher, but often they are just standing there, on their tails. They don't seem to be bullying each other, and I've seen no signs of illness (spots, red around lips, etc.).

This is new behavior in the last couple of weeks, before which they often hid under rocks or wood or chased each other around or stumbled over each other to get food. The only changes are that I've added two small flower pots to see if they'd like them as caves (not particularly), added two small cory cats (they rarely interact), and reduced food to the tank because they water was never clear. They still get plenty of food, though: flakes, freeze-dried blood worms and tubifex, sinking wafers and algae tabs. Other fish in the tank include tetras, 3 hatchetfish, a glass catfish, rasboras, the two panda cory cats, and a couple of red cherry shrimp. The tank is probably too crowded but everyone seems to get along and I hate to pick some fish to go back to the store, so I'm waiting to see who goes to the great pond beyond and then won't replace them.

Typical readings are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, between 20-40 nitrates. I vacuum and do a 30-40% water change at least once a week.

What are the loaches doing?

Thanks, Margaret

Hi auntmarge6,

They are probably having fun! I have seen this behavior quite often.
Sometimes one of my clown loaches stand still in the corner. Others come closer and try take her place one at a time. Climbing each other is also frequent. I have read somewhere here at LOL that this behavior is considered normal on newcomers but even my old ones sometimes do the same, afterwhat they find a good spot to stay on that uncommon position. Take a look at this:



As you can see... they are only having fun!

Great photo!!!

Thanks for the info - I just wanted to be sure they weren't in trouble. Now I can relax and enjoy the action.

Margaret

I'd agree with Marcos sometimes.
But other times, if your not quarantining new fish, they could have some parasites in their gills. They could be hanging in the corner because that's the best way to get more water flow and oxygen through their gills. Have you noticed any flashing or rubbing against rocks or substrate?

I've got my loaches doing the same thing now and then. Those are lovely clowns Marcos.

Thanks Rocco!

They could be hanging in the corner because that's the best way to get more water flow and oxygen through their gills

I would say that´s not the case here chef as it´s not a common behavior. They don´t do this ever. Also, this corner is the one with less water flow on my tank. Other side has far more water flow as my 3 intank powerheads are there.
They simpy start playing that "climb over me" and have a little fun for a few minutes and return to normal life.

My loaches do flash a lot - always on the substrate (small rounded gravel and some fine sand I think I'll never entirely be able to get rid of....). I figured they were trying to dislodge loose food.

So, I've reduced the biolode by 1/2, done a 50% change, vacuumed, and will see how they are in a few days. I'm on the way over to the LFS and will look at getting some sort of parasite preventative or natural treatment. I do hate medicating when there's no sign of illness otherwise.

chefkeith wrote:I'd agree with Marcos sometimes.
But other times, if your not quarantining new fish, they could have some parasites in their gills. They could be hanging in the corner because....?

Same feelings here....maybe something else.

I have a Kub-only tank now and I see them dancing almost all the time. As long as there is some light and they see me, there will be some Kubs doing it. If there is an expectation of food, most or even all (13) will be doing it at once.
But:
1. They are doing it on the front glass.
2. The word "standing" does not apply...they are swimming vertically high above ground.
3. They don't climb each other, even if there are many of them here.
I have a photo somewhere of the entire pack showing their bellies, maybe I can find it (getting them ALL out at once requires some efforts...).

Maybe the OP would provide a photo?

PS. Incidentally, Marcos, I saw much less Kub begging when the Clowns were in the same tank...Kubs behavior was suppressed.

Hi auntmarge6,

Flashing the substrate or rubbing may indicate ich. What´s your temperature now? It´s advisible to keep temperature range never below 27 or 28°C as prevent.

mikev wrote:Incidentally, Marcos, I saw much less Kub begging when the Clowns were in the same tank...Kubs behavior was suppressed

Indeed. Possibly because of size or faster motion behavior from Clowns.