Freshwater
Catfish
More details
Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus)
Pro
Pro
Description
Clown Loaches are colorful, social bottom-dwellers with vibrant orange-and-black bands and quirky behavior. Known for their active schooling habits and large adult size, they bring personality and energy to large, well-planted community tanks.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires space, stable parameters, and a social group; sensitive to poor water quality and stress when kept alone.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Still widely wild-caught, especially juveniles; however, captive-breeding efforts are slowly expanding.
Origin
Native to the rivers of Sumatra and Borneo, particularly the Musi and Kapuas basins. Inhabits slow-moving forest streams and floodplain habitats.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Bold orange body with three distinctive black vertical bands and arched dorsal line. As they age, they grow large and develop a deep-bodied, charismatic shape. Notable for their playful, almost clown-like group interactions and “clicking” sounds.
Purpose
Bottom-dweller that stirs substrate, consumes leftover food, and reduces snail populations. Adds movement and life to lower tank zones and encourages naturalistic schooling dynamics.
Importance
A fan favorite for their antics and visual flair, but long-term success requires planning. Juveniles are common in stores, but adults can reach over a foot long and live for decades. Best for aquarists committed to long-term care in large systems.
Included Resources
Needs a soft substrate, ample swimming space, strong filtration, and stable temperatures. Driftwood, caves, and hiding spots help reduce stress. Should be kept in groups of 5+ to prevent aggression and shyness.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for large Southeast Asian biotope aquariums, planted community tanks, or peaceful predator setups. Best with similarly sized tank mates and non-aggressive fish.
Conservation Context
Still largely sourced from the wild. Habitat destruction and overcollection are concerns in native regions. Responsible sourcing and future captive-bred lines are vital to long-term sustainability.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Silver dollars and large barbs
• Angelfish and gouramis
• Ropefish and rainbowfish
• Larger rasboras and danios
• Peaceful cichlids (e.g. Severums)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -2.9833° S
• Longitude: 104.7500° E
(South Sumatra – Musi River basin)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.0333° N
• Longitude: 112.9500° E
(West Kalimantan, Borneo – Kapuas River drainage)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires space, stable parameters, and a social group; sensitive to poor water quality and stress when kept alone.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Still widely wild-caught, especially juveniles; however, captive-breeding efforts are slowly expanding.
Origin
Native to the rivers of Sumatra and Borneo, particularly the Musi and Kapuas basins. Inhabits slow-moving forest streams and floodplain habitats.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Bold orange body with three distinctive black vertical bands and arched dorsal line. As they age, they grow large and develop a deep-bodied, charismatic shape. Notable for their playful, almost clown-like group interactions and “clicking” sounds.
Purpose
Bottom-dweller that stirs substrate, consumes leftover food, and reduces snail populations. Adds movement and life to lower tank zones and encourages naturalistic schooling dynamics.
Importance
A fan favorite for their antics and visual flair, but long-term success requires planning. Juveniles are common in stores, but adults can reach over a foot long and live for decades. Best for aquarists committed to long-term care in large systems.
Included Resources
Needs a soft substrate, ample swimming space, strong filtration, and stable temperatures. Driftwood, caves, and hiding spots help reduce stress. Should be kept in groups of 5+ to prevent aggression and shyness.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for large Southeast Asian biotope aquariums, planted community tanks, or peaceful predator setups. Best with similarly sized tank mates and non-aggressive fish.
Conservation Context
Still largely sourced from the wild. Habitat destruction and overcollection are concerns in native regions. Responsible sourcing and future captive-bred lines are vital to long-term sustainability.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Silver dollars and large barbs
• Angelfish and gouramis
• Ropefish and rainbowfish
• Larger rasboras and danios
• Peaceful cichlids (e.g. Severums)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -2.9833° S
• Longitude: 104.7500° E
(South Sumatra – Musi River basin)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.0333° N
• Longitude: 112.9500° E
(West Kalimantan, Borneo – Kapuas River drainage)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires space, stable parameters, and a social group; sensitive to poor water quality and stress when kept alone.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Still widely wild-caught, especially juveniles; however, captive-breeding efforts are slowly expanding.
Origin
Native to the rivers of Sumatra and Borneo, particularly the Musi and Kapuas basins. Inhabits slow-moving forest streams and floodplain habitats.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Bold orange body with three distinctive black vertical bands and arched dorsal line. As they age, they grow large and develop a deep-bodied, charismatic shape. Notable for their playful, almost clown-like group interactions and “clicking” sounds.
Purpose
Bottom-dweller that stirs substrate, consumes leftover food, and reduces snail populations. Adds movement and life to lower tank zones and encourages naturalistic schooling dynamics.
Importance
A fan favorite for their antics and visual flair, but long-term success requires planning. Juveniles are common in stores, but adults can reach over a foot long and live for decades. Best for aquarists committed to long-term care in large systems.
Included Resources
Needs a soft substrate, ample swimming space, strong filtration, and stable temperatures. Driftwood, caves, and hiding spots help reduce stress. Should be kept in groups of 5+ to prevent aggression and shyness.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for large Southeast Asian biotope aquariums, planted community tanks, or peaceful predator setups. Best with similarly sized tank mates and non-aggressive fish.
Conservation Context
Still largely sourced from the wild. Habitat destruction and overcollection are concerns in native regions. Responsible sourcing and future captive-bred lines are vital to long-term sustainability.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Silver dollars and large barbs
• Angelfish and gouramis
• Ropefish and rainbowfish
• Larger rasboras and danios
• Peaceful cichlids (e.g. Severums)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -2.9833° S
• Longitude: 104.7500° E
(South Sumatra – Musi River basin)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.0333° N
• Longitude: 112.9500° E
(West Kalimantan, Borneo – Kapuas River drainage)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus)
Region
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