Clown Loach Diet

Clown loaches are a popular aquarium fish, originally from Indonesia. In the wild, they spend most of their time in rivers, then migrate up smaller waterways to mate. These fish are related to carp, and have a distinctive spine under each eye. They also have very small, nearly invisible scales. Clown loaches are known for being omnivorous, fairly indiscriminate feeders. They make an audible noise when fighting over food. Their diet includes a wide range of plant and animal foods.

  1. Identification

    • Clown loaches look much like other loaches, but have relatively distinctive markings, and can be identified by their yellowish bodies and broad black banding. Males have a larger tail than females, and the tail hooks inward instead of pointing outward from the body. Males are also larger and heavier-bodied. Clown loaches have an elongated body with an arched back and nearly flat belly. Fish from different regions may have slightly different coloration.

    Geography

    • Clown loaches can be found in Indonesia, specifically the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Their ideal habitat is a clear river or stream, but monsoon flooding often forces them to live in flood plains, murky rivers, and lakes for part of the year. Many clown loaches are caught for the pet trade during the fish's annual migration to smaller streams for spawning. This regular change of habitat encourages them to be opportunistic omnivores which will eat all kinds of foods.

    Types

    • Clown loaches accept a number of different types of food, although it's important to maintain a good variety in their diet. They require some green food, such as boiled green peas, scalded lettuce, sliced squash and Brussels sprouts, but the majority of their diet comes from animal sources. Clown loaches can be fed commercial flake food, live and frozen mosquito larva, blood worms and other small animals, and earthworms and other insects, provided the pieces are small enough to fit in the fish's mouth. Balls of fish and goldfish pellets are also acceptable to clown loaches.

    Benefits

    • Clown loaches are extremely easy to feed in captivity, making them a good fish for moderately experienced aquarium owners. They can eat all kinds of sinking food and may learn to eat food floating on the surface. Loaches which have learned this trick are often observed swimming upside down and are entertaining to watch. Clown loaches are also known for their habit of eating small snails. They can be used to keep invasive snail populations under control in a home aquarium.

    Considerations

    • Clown loaches eat a great deal, and also eat frequently. Their voracious appetite can tempt owners into overfeeding. This is a poor idea, since old food decays in the water and requires more filtration. Instead, feed small amounts several times a day, so that there are no leftover scraps. Loaches may be seen in a "feeding frenzy," where they rush the food and click loudly. This is normal behavior and may be associated with seasonal changes.