Clown Loach Behavior

[CFGnJMH]

I recently bought two clown loaches and almost instantly noticed some odd behavior. Both of them will hover with their heads facing the top of the tank, like they're sleeping. They do this frequently through out the day. I just want to make sure that they're okay, and not sick.

Thanks,

Frankie

[wetmanNY]

Loaches do take up some odd positions-- like lying on their sides "playing dead."

Do your loaches have a selection of dark "hideouts" they can lurk in? They need to get under cover sometimes.

[Clownloach458]

dont be fooled Clowns are tricky bugers, they lay on thier sides when resting. to see some odd picks of them, go to www.loaches.com they tell you all you need to know about these beautiful and amazing fish:)

[CFGnJMH]

Well, thanks for the replies first off. I do have a cave and then lots of thick plants for them to hide in. I'm starting to think they may need a little more though. My main concern was their health. I just bought them about 3 weeks ago, and they've been doing this almost the entire time I've had them.

Thanks again,

Frankie

[superstein61]

Loaches do exhibit odd behavior - but just in case its something lese - how about posting your water parameters - PH, temperature, tank size, Nitrate , Nitrite reading, tankmates, etc

[VoodooChild]

Many a time have I gone to take a clown out of a tank only to have it swim away. Then of course a customer will point out that you have a dead fish in this tank. Not fooling for that one again. "He's not dead ma'am". And of course, he really IS dead this time, and you look like an inhumane jerk. This has happenend to me a few times actually. The loach wins, every time, even after they're dead.

[Hootchieman]

Are they eating okay? What other tank mates do you have? My loaches do the same thing. They perch themselves on top of a large sword leaf or lodge themselves head down between the glass and a plant. I would pay attention to their behavour at feeding time. Mine do loops around the other fish at meal time in anticipation, otherwise they are hiding, perching, lying down, etc.