hi there was wondering if any one could help me, I have 3 clown loaches to larger one's and a smaller one.

all loaches were swimming around and very active until about a day ago. One of the larger loaches has taken to hiding under the wood and won't really come out ,
it is healthy looking with no unusal marks on it. if u move the wood it will come out but then go back in it is as if it's hibernating silly as this sounds but thats the way
it is behaving.

can any one shed any light as to why it could be behaving like this, it is healthy looking in every way.

thanks any advice would be very grateful. judith

check the water quality and make sure it is good.

make sure the tank has plenty of cover because loaches are nocturnal and will hide they don't feel secure or if the tank is too bright.

haven't checked the water quality have done a 50% water change will get the water. tested. these loaches are not a bit shy in fact i would go as far to say they are show off's.

i have just been reading up on them and apparently they go like that from time to time they like to play dead.??? have u heard this.

they are very active day and night and love to play but now it's like one of them is playing hide and seek.

all my fish are active and healthy even the one thats hiding looks perfectly healthy.

loaches will lie on the side when resting and can look dead. Usually when they try to hide they are unhappy with something, normally the water quality.

ok will test the water tomorrow and do another water change and see if that helps .thanks

This is simply common behavior. Yes, loaches are known for their activeness and silly entertainment. But theyre also rather lazy, and theyll relax in ANY position. Upside down, sideways, twisted; they sometimes play dead. They enjoy cramming into tight places with each other and just laying around.
<a href="http://www.fishforums.net/content/forum/222200/Loach-Caves/" target="_blank">http://www.fishforums.net/content/forum/222200/Loach-Caves/</a>
You mentioned the fish is one of the larger ones so it is probably the alpha loach, thus it is the one that gets "the spot" and the spot is in the wood. Loaches will tussle over the spot occaisionally, usually makes for great entertainment

This post has been edited by Rubix: Apr 24 2008, 05:55 AM