View Full Version : Loaches and clicking noises
PsyKick
10-29-2008, 9:50 PM
So, I recently moved my zebra loaches and my kuhli loaches out of their 20 gallon and into a 29 gallon with sand (and some snails to help them settle in) and I have been noticing some weird clicking noises.
At first I was freaked because I thought it was glass cracking, but I cant find any cracks, and the tank is brand new. So now I am wondering if it is the loaches?
Has anyone heard of these two species making clicking noises?
The only other creature in there is an albino BN pleco and I am pretty sure they dont click...
Zebulon
10-29-2008, 10:14 PM
Botia loaches can make a clicking noise with their grinding or pharyngeal teeth, they do it not just to process food but also as a sort of social pleasure indicator. My bet is that they are super happy about the sand substrate. I hear zebras eat snails like clowns do, and are probably pecking at the new vittles too. Mmm mollusks!
Lupin
10-29-2008, 10:48 PM
Definitely the zebra loaches. I hear my clowns click when they eat pellets and tiger loaches and orange-finned loaches click when they clash with each other as they settle their territorial disputes.
pam916
10-30-2008, 5:22 AM
My clown loaches make the clicking noise also. It took me a few minutes to figure out what was making the noise. I had read that clown loaches make the clicking noise but I had mine for a long time before I heard it. They normally remain hidden except when the come out to eat and I rarely ever see them both out at the same time, but when both of them are out at the same time is when they make the clicking noise so I think it may have to do with them being territorial and if you just moved them into a new tank they may be trying to establish new territories.
TwoHobbies
10-30-2008, 10:40 AM
My zebra loaches click every morning when they come out to eat. It's hard to believe how load that noise is. I can't say as I have ever heard my kuhli's do it.
I don't think kuhlis click. It is their bifid spines that cause the sounds which only botiine loaches are capable of doing so.
Bubbles2112
10-30-2008, 7:28 PM
I have some Botia loaches in my 75g and they make this clicking sound when I throw in an algae wafer or a meat wafer. Its pretty cool!
fishorama
10-30-2008, 8:49 PM
I can't tell which loaches are clicking any more, I hear some but too many loaches to say exactly, striatas I think, clown for sure, sids maybe...then there's the mystery splashers...eee, it's spooky in the night here. ooooh, insomnia!