Small Loaches for Snail Control?

[WaveSurfer]

Hi all loach lovers,

I'm thinking of getting some loaches for snail control purposes, but would not want clown loaches as they will grow too big.

So far I have only narrowed down on Zebra Loach (Botia striata):


However I am not able to find this species in my LFS.

Is there any other loaches which I can find that could satisfy my needs?

Thank you.

[shari2]

Welcome, WaveSurfer.

First off, what type of snails are you talking about? Pond snails, malaysian trumpet snails, some other type?

Secondly, tell us about your tank:
Size
Occupants
Water parameters
Decor/substrate
Cleaning schedule
Feeding schedule

Thirdly, snails are not always pests. They are part of the ecosystem in your aquarium. The most common reason for an overabundance of snails is overfeeding.

Fourth, getting fish for snail control is not always the wisest option. Tell us more about your set up and we will be better able to help.

[Marcos Mataratzis]

Hi WaveSurfer,

Welcome to LOL!

I agree with Shari. Some snails are not pests (but I hate them).

You can try YoYo loaches as they are good snail hunter. Take a look on this photo I took 2 days ago:


Clown loaches would be great for this job!

Good luck!

[shari2]

...depending on the size of your tank. they do get big and need space.

Cool pic Marcos. I just noticed that my clowns seem to be building a mass mts grave in their tank. All the shells are piled up beside a rock. Snail undertakers they are.

[Marcos Mataratzis]

Hi Shari,

I just noticed that my clowns seem to be building a mass mts grave in their tank. All the shells are piled up beside a rock.

This snail on the photo was taken from my Oscar tank. Whenever I find one there I ofer to my clown loaches.

[crazy loaches]

WaveSurfer has yet to give us any specs of the tank, but he did make it clear in his post he is after smaller loaches. I dont think a clown fits into the category of smaller loaches

Depending on tank specs of course, but the striata and sids would probably be my choice on a smaller tank, so long as the tank was still beg enough to support a group of them properly and water conditions were good.

I have seen my clowns swimming around playing keep away with a big ol mts... looks like their smoking a big ol cigar .

[LoachOrgy]

The striatas are awesome! you will not be sorry you picked them up. Get like 5 or more. They will loachie dance your head off!

[crazy loaches]

Wavesurfer might have forgot he signed up on lol... I hope he comes back.

If you do come back, let us know where abouts your from, or put it in your profile, there might be a member here who happens to know an lfs that might have zebras or other small loaches or an online source, all that would depend on where in the world you are