Loach Spines

[Curtis]

I unfortunately have a case of skinny disease in one of my loach tanks, as I removed the affected clown loaches, it was apparent that clown loaches have independent control of their sub-ocular spines. I'm not sure if that has been confirmed before or not. But, as I would approach one side the loach would show the spine on that side, if I scared it enough it would flash both, clearly demonstrating independent control of the sub-ocular spines.

Just thought I would share my observations. Unfortunately one of the affected loaches will most likely not make it since it is rather weak and didn't even bother to flash his spines... but let's hope everything works out.

[shari]

Very interesting Curtis. I'd always thought they extended both at the same time, kind of as a reflex action. Independent control...hmmm. What does that mean, anyway?

[Emma Turner]

Yeah, I have mentioned this before. Here is Stripes, one of my largest Clowns with just one of his two spines raised:



And here's a better picture, shown just from one side:



Sometimes he raises both, othertimes, just the one. This is usually when he is challenging for the Alpha position (which is a losing battle where Marge is concerned!).

Good luck with your Clowns, Curtis, I hope they manage to pull through.

Emma