View Full Version : Red gills on new Clown Loaches
ratherbe
09-15-2006, 9:40 AM
I'm new to tropical fish aquariums, and I'm hooked! I bought three Clown Loaches yesterday (to go with 12 fancy guppies), and the two smaller ones have red gills. Could it be from the rough treatment they received when I bought them? They literally dumped them in the container after they caught them. I'd be pretty stressed if I'd been dumped like that >:( Any thoughts?
quiksilver
09-15-2006, 10:08 AM
what size tank, what are your ph, nitrite, nitrate, amoinia, reading, you know they get 12" plus
Are they breathing heavy?
ratherbe
09-15-2006, 10:32 AM
I have a 29 gallon tank, but haven't checked any of the levels. They're not breathing heavy that I'm aware of. They appear to be fine - swimming around, mingling with others, checking everything out, and even eating. Maybe the redness will go away - I haven't even had them for 24 hours yet.
Well check the levels of the tank for sure (and the tank is way too small for clown loaches). Are the gills really super red or just reddish pink in colour. Clowns at a young age can be very prone to illness and is a really good reason they should be quarentined before going in a main tank. Keep your eyes on them and see how they fair over the next while. If you suspect stress I would say to turn the lights off on the tank, that can really help to reduce stress.
quiksilver
09-15-2006, 10:57 AM
i would also think about taking them back. 12 inches+ is huge.
I've noticed that on some younger clown loaches there is a pinkish area next to their there gills. Test your water levels to be sure they are OK. Also if you do not plan to get them a larger tank soon then it would be best to return them.
A better loach choice would be zebra or you in a tank that small. Similar body shape, smaller size. Or best yet, khulie loaches.
I would not get any loaches unless you are going to get a larger aquarium.