clown loach behaviour

[bongorob]

Hi

I have only just found this forum.

My brother has 2 clown loaches who normally get on well with each other. He has just informed me that he has seen them swinmming towards each other and placing their mouths together. He wonders why they are doing this. I have not seen it for myself but it seems to be some sort of dominance behaviour. He also says that the smaller and duller specimen has now become much brighter coloured. He does not know the sex of his specimens.

They are kept with rummy-nosed tetras, harlequin rasboras and chocolate catfish.

Can anyone tell me what is happening please?

[Emma Turner]

Hi bongorob, and welcome to Loaches Online.

Your brother is observing the 2 loaches fighting to decide who is in charge (what is known as the 'Alpha position'). This is likely to continue and become quite intense with only 2 clown loaches in the tank. They are incredibly social fish and really do best in larger groups (5 or more) which is not only more natural, but will help spread any aggression amongst the group. Your brother wants to look at adding a few more to his tank in the near future.

When clown loaches fight, they 'grey out', which means their bright colouration fades to a grey colour. They also adopt a pose where the fins are spread wide and they circle each other before biting, jaw locking etc.

Have a read here for more info: http://www.loaches.com/species-index/cl ... cracanthus
http://www.loaches.com/articles/an-intr ... ping-botia

Hope this helps,

Emma

[bongorob]

Thanks Emma

I did tell him that just having 2 was not a good idea, but unfortunately he is the type of person who always has to learn the hard way.

[bongorob]

My brother has decided to stop keeping clown loaches because he does not think the has the room for a larger group.

He is now looking for another species of bottom dwelling fish.

[Diana]

That is a good decision.
What size is the tank? With the other small, peaceful fish in there some smaller species of Loach, or even Corydoras catfish could work.