Clown loach

Chromobotia macracanthus

Three bold dark bands; a growing group needs substantial space

Three main dark bands are conspicuous. Small juveniles do not represent adult size: plan for a mature group and a large aquarium footprint. Snail eating does not make this fish suitable for a small tank or remove the need for regular feeding.

Length and basis: Maximum record 40 cm SL
Reference temperature: 24–30 °C
Captive lifespan: Unknown (no verified lifespan adopted)
pH: 5–7 (source care reference)
Hardness: Unknown

Avoid very small, slow-moving or long-finned companions.

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Floor and movement space

The reused reference gives at least about 180 × 60 cm of floor space for an adult group.

Diet and feeding

Offer sinking prepared food, animal-based frozen foods and some plant material.

Same-species behaviour

Keep at least 5–6 and plan space for the mature group.

Measurement notes and sources

The source lists a maximum of about 40 cm standard length (SL), excluding the tail. This is an upper-size reference, not typical adult size or illustrated total length.