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Click on the images above to get the
high resolution pictures. Photos by G.J.Reclos/MCH
Photo by G.J.Reclos /MCH
Photo by Dimitris Dimitriadis
Photo by Dimitris Dimitriadis
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Botia macracantha (Clown Loach) |
Botia macracantha is usually
referred to by its common name, “Clown loach». It is one of the
best known botias and is very common to hobbyist’s tanks. The fish
belongs to the family Cobitidae and it comes from running and still
water in Indonesia, Sumatra and Borneo. The fish is usually sold as
a juvenile at a size of 4-5 cm. Most hobbyists are not aware of the
fact that this fish may reach a size of 30 cm. This size
will very rarely be reached in an average tank but this fish still
belongs in the group of fishes that are misjudged. The fish shown
in the top photo has a size of 20 cm and is housed in a 400 liter aquarium. The
correct pH is around 7. The fish is quite active even during the day
and will tolerate its own species (as well as other species) so it
can be kept as a school. It may sometimes make a “clicking”
noise (as most loaches). This species has been spawned in aquariums
although these are usually species tanks. The fish is a schooling
one so single specimens should be avoided whenever possible (= tank
size permitting). Closely related to Botia
modesta and Acanthopsis choirorrhynchus (click on “Fish Index”
in the navigation bar to get more info on these species, too).
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