Compatibility of Clown Loaches & Angels

[Radar]

What is your opinion on the compatibility of Clown Loaches & Angels?
I looked at the compatibility chart at Dr's Foster & Smith and it said Yes.
But I am wondering if it is right. I added 2 Clown Loaches to my tank about 3 weeks ago. And I have noticed the past few days they are really nipping at my 2 Angels. Why all of a sudden have they started this? Should I get a few more Clown's so they occupy there selves or is it not a good match for Angels?

 

[Nolapete]

The problem is that you only added 2 clown loaches. They should be in a group of 3, preferably more. There's no problem keeping them with angels. They just get bored when they are less than three and get into trouble.

 

[Radar]

Thanks for the reply. I will add a few more Clowns.

 

[vic46]

What size is the tank?
Vic

 

[H3D]

Clown loaches and angels should not be housed together IMO.

 

[jm1212]

:iagree:

they are to nippy for angels.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

All I con contribute is the fact that I have a 45 gal with a lone clown in it due to the fact it is so heavily planted i cant catch it. He has been alone in there for 2 years now. the tank also holds a pair of DD black angels, I have never had the clown bother the angels in all that time. Maybe I am just lucky.

Younger/smaller clowns tend to be more inclined to 'play" with other fish. I have had small clowns try to shcool with rasboras

 

[Nolapete]

If you saw the angels in the tank that the blood parrots and large plecos came out of, you'd rethink saying they don't belong together. There was a single 5" plus clown loach and the fins on the angels were perfect.

 

[12 Volt Man]

yeah, I have never had nippy clowns either..

I have kept them with altums before for years.

the clowns that I have now lived with my altums for a few years, athough they don't live together any more.

the altums are in a 30 and the clowns in a 65

 

[vic46]

:iagree:

they are to nippy for angels.

Really!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have 8 clowns and 7 skunks in a tank with 8 W/C scalare and one 6" white angel together with a number of other fish. If there is a pest in the tank it is the large white angel. Loaches are by nature a docile and unobtrusive addition to any community tank. They do however prefer to be in a larger school (6 plus). They go about their business without any adieu and are the entertainers for the most part. I think you need to re-evaluate the loaches tank mates as I believe that the clowns have been wrongfully accused. They will clean up a deceased tank mate, if you don;t get it out of the tank in a timely fashion.
Vic