Pale color in clown loach

[Peanutsweet]

I recently bought a clown loach from petsmart. It is about 3" long and its color is washed out. I thought it was just scared when I got it. Sometimes fish can wash out if they are stressed? My water temp is usually 80. Is that OK? right now it is higher, as I am having a disease problem on a couple other fish... I have had him about 2 weeks and he seems at home in a plastic root cave thingy. He comes out at night and eats, but never comes out durring the day. The other loach I have had for several months and he ALWAYS is out playing and wanting to be seen. He has bright color to him. Any ideas on why they are so different? What is the usual temperment, and habit, for clown loaches? I hope mine isn't psycologically impaired LOL!

 

[Rallysman]

It probably didn't get the best food/care at petsmart. Keep feeding high quality food and give it stable living conditions and it should color back up.

 

[liv2padl]

get about 4 more clown loaches and you'll likely see a big difference in behaviour. loaches do best in groups of at least 4-6.

 

[wataugachicken]

what is your ammonia/nitrite/nitrate readings?

what illness are you treating for? are you using any meds?

what size tank do you have?

keep an eye out for ich, loaches can be very susceptible to it and with the stress your fish is under he may get it. probably just still scared in his new home and should get over it soon.