Aggressive Clown Loach

[Andy McKenzie]

Hi
Have had no response to this all day, so thought I'd try again!
I have a clown loach (one of group of 4) who has suddenly turned nasty, attacking and damaging two of its fellow clown loaches to the point I have had to humanely put one down and have now isolated the aggressive fish. I have never come across this behaviour with clown loaches before (the odd quarel at feed time perhaps), but I've never seen one as psycho as this little fish. I am at a loss to know what to do with him/her, I obviously can't introduce the fish back into the main tank. Has anyone any ideas? I bought the fish as one of a pair about 5 months ago and the behaviour change was only noticed about 3 days ago. I have used some esha fungus, finrot and bacteria treatment about a week ago, and since then have done a partial water change. I can't imagine this would cause the problem though as the other fish seem unafected.
ANY GOOD ADVICE WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED>

Andy

 

[orange shark]

what size is your tank?

 

[Matty P]

Clown loaches can grow up to 12" some even more. So they require at least a 75 gallon tank (280L). Also do they have any other tank mates?

 

[Andy McKenzie]

what size is your tank?

Tank: 38cm x 86 x 36cm, other inhabitants include two silver dollars and some glow light tetras.

 

[orange shark]

how much is that in gallons?

 

[marcan]

how much is that in gallons?

38cm x 86 x 36cm = 117 648 / 1000 = 117.468 liters
117.468 / 3.78 US Gal = 31 US Gal.

Tank is ~~30 US Gallons.

 

[Matty P]

So i'm afraid your tank is way too small for 1 clown loach never mind 4.How big are they?

 

[Andy McKenzie]

So i'm afraid your tank is way too small for 1 clown loach never mind 4.How big are they?

I guess they are about 3-4" long, except for one that I have had for 12 years that is twice that size, however they don't look cramped, The tank is about 24 imperial galls.

 

[Matty P]

Your tank is way too small for any size of clown loach no matter what size they are.

 

[orange shark]

matty p is right, you should rehome them before they get stunted

 

[Andy McKenzie]

Your tank is way too small for any size of clown loach no matter what size they are.

I am really looking for an answer to the question why one of my 4 clown loaches has turned into a thug after 6 months of bein ok! I take your point about the tank being small for 4 clown loaches, but how do you explain the apparent contradiction that I have had two of those loaches for over 10 years now and one of them has grown way beyond the normal size you see in the uk and still appears to be very happy? If I get some more time I'll post a photo, but my first cocern is what to do with the now isolated clown loach. thanks for your comments tho, can you shed any light on the behaviour problem?

 

[orange shark]

probably because there is not enough space for the 4 of them so they are fighting for space, give the isolated clown to the lfs if its in a breeder cos thats not big ebough and it will bully your fish again when it comes out

 

[Matty P]

Yep orange shark is right they will have less and less space as they get bigger so they will start fighting.

 

[Andy McKenzie]

probably because there is not enough space for the 4 of them so they are fighting for space, give the isolated clown to the lfs if its in a breeder cos thats not big ebough and it will bully your fish again when it comes out

Thanks for your help, I had a feeling I would have to take the fish back to the lfs and will certainly be doing some research on tank size for clown loaches, but can anyone explain why I've been able to grow one very large happy clown loach called Clarence in my small tank. I will post a photo soon.

 

[orange shark]

i couldnt answer why, but try and rehome them on here, you will get more money for them and you know they will be going to a good home