View Full Version : clown loach with cichlids
breaker_1113
09-01-2003, 5:13 PM
could i keep clown loaches with a few agrresve cichlids? will they get picked on even in there in a group of 4?
i wouldnt want a 20$ fish to be killed in the first week
Depends. What cichlids? How large are the cichlids and how large are the loaches? What size tank?
stoopid
09-01-2003, 6:20 PM
I have 3 loaches with 3 cichlids, 2 of them are semi-aggressive. They pretty much ignore the loaches and besides, the loaches have stingers/barbs that will aparently teach any cichlid a lesson or tow. :)
breaker_1113
09-01-2003, 6:26 PM
im not planning to get my loaches yet because my tank is overstocked as it is but would they be able to live with a jd or con?
If the loaches were large enough you would be ok. Clown loaches get very large themselves and that tank would eventually be too small, but they grow very slowly. As you have found out you may have a problem with the cons since they get very aggressive while spawning. JDs can be aggressive too but I think you will be ok with a single JD as they are not as aggressive singly. Clown loaches, or all loaches, have a spine under each eye that they will use defensively and as anyone that has been stabbed can tell you it hurts!
You can't just lump all cichlids into a group. I asked what type of cichlid because there are many degrees of aggressive, some cichlids are only aggressive during spawning, some only toward others of their own kind, others are murderous beasts and should be kept alone.
Red Fin Botia Loach also gets big. They are semi-aggressive.
If you are unsure of how clown loach fair in the tank with cichlid, you should check out www.cichlidscene.com He has many clown loaches with his cichlids...aggressive ones too.
I also have clown loaches and other loaches living with other cichlids. They are doing ok.
breaker_1113
09-01-2003, 8:39 PM
if u guys take a look in my tanks section in my sig, do u think i can put a couple of clown loaches in the right side of the tank if i take out the tiger tilapia?
I think so. As long as you know you will eventually have to put them in a larger tank, but that is a while down the road. Just don't get tiny loaches and you should be fine, I would give it a try, clown loaches can usually hold their own.
breaker_1113
09-02-2003, 9:51 AM
thnx alot guys i guess ill have to save up and get a couple and probably get rid of my tiger tilapia soon