Loaches of various sizes

[Total Package]

I have a fat YoYo and Kubotia about 3-4 inches in length. The LFS around here tend to carry farily small ones, in the ~1 inch range. I'm planning on upgrading and getting a group. If I get them some friends of this size, how well will the smaller ones do with a larger "alpha" loach? Do they tend to pick on ones of their own kind that are significantly smaller?

[brett_fishman]

hello, welcome to LOL!!


if you have loaches, and you get some smaller ones, they will be fine...

if you have loaches, and you get some bigger ones, they will scuffle and sort out who is 'alpha' loach and stake out territories, etc..

so if you're buying some smaller guys, you'll be fine..they will join in nicely

-brett.

[brochtune]

I have a similar question. I have 3 clowns (about 2.5") and bought 3 MUCH smaller ones (about an inch or less.) So far I haven't seen them feed because they always seem to get pushed out of the way by the larger guys every time they try to get a nibble.

I don't think it's necessary to put them in an aquarium by themselves but I want to make sure they are getting enough food. Should I be concerned, even though I haven't seem them eat for a few days? (I know they can last a lot longer without food, just concerned for the future. They just seem so fragile, being so small)

Thanks,

Thomas