Clown Loach

[stubaynton]

Hi,

I seem to have a problem with my Clown Loach, and this place seemed to be the best to come for, for advice.

My problem is i have 2 Clown Loach, 1 about 1" and the other about 3". The larger of the 2 has (over the last 24 hours) become really subdued. They have never been the most active of fish, but nevertheless, he now spends most of his time hidden away in a dark crack in a rock. In the last hour or so, he has started to roll, sometimes to the point where has hes rolled right over and is upside down, where he will stay for a few minutes. There is no obvious signs of illness, such as white spots, clouded eyes etc.

My question is, is this normal for a Clown Loach, or should i start to worry?

6 Neons,
3 Red Wagtails (2 adult, 1 infant),
1 Dwarf Gourami,
1 Bristlenose Catfish
2 Clown Laoch
ammonia/nitrate/nitrate all at ok levels.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[tttnjfttt]

Hmmm, i have no clue what would be causing the fish to become lethargic. However, clowns have some very odd behaviors they are notorious for, including sleeping on their sides or backs and playing dead. I have seen my clown roll over on many different occasions, so i wouldn't be too worried unless it looks like he has lost control of that ability. Try tossing in some of their favorite foods and see how they respond.

Since you are new here, can you post the exact numbers of your water stats? I have seen too many people say they are fine when they really are not. Also, how big is your tank?

 

[paulmetal]

Hi,

I seem to have a problem with my Clown Loach, and this place seemed to be the best to come for, for advice.

My problem is i have 2 Clown Loach, 1 about 1" and the other about 3". The larger of the 2 has (over the last 24 hours) become really subdued. They have never been the most active of fish, but nevertheless, he now spends most of his time hidden away in a dark crack in a rock. In the last hour or so, he has started to roll, sometimes to the point where has hes rolled right over and is upside down, where he will stay for a few minutes. There is no obvious signs of illness, such as white spots, clouded eyes etc.

My question is, is this normal for a Clown Loach, or should i start to worry?

6 Neons,
3 Red Wagtails (2 adult, 1 infant),
1 Dwarf Gourami,
1 Bristlenose Catfish
2 Clown Laoch
ammonia/nitrate/nitrate all at ok levels.

Thanks in advance for any help

Hi,

I seem to have a problem with my Clown Loach, and this place seemed to be the best to come for, for advice.

My problem is i have 2 Clown Loach, 1 about 1" and the other about 3". The larger of the 2 has (over the last 24 hours) become really subdued. They have never been the most active of fish, but nevertheless, he now spends most of his time hidden away in a dark crack in a rock. In the last hour or so, he has started to roll, sometimes to the point where has hes rolled right over and is upside down, where he will stay for a few minutes. There is no obvious signs of illness, such as white spots, clouded eyes etc.

My question is, is this normal for a Clown Loach, or should i start to worry?

6 Neons,
3 Red Wagtails (2 adult, 1 infant),
1 Dwarf Gourami,
1 Bristlenose Catfish
2 Clown Laoch
ammonia/nitrate/nitrate all at ok levels.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[WILDER]

Sadly if he's rolling over he's not in good shape and sad to say he might not make it, what do you feed the fish, can he maintain his balance in the water, also does the fish look bloated or the tummy look swelled.
Has the colour of the fish gone pale or darkened in colour, also is there any signs of flicking and rubbing, or laboured breathing.
A fish being listless is definately a sign of a desease and ill health.

 

[stubaynton]

Hi, sorry for the late reply. Tanks levels r as follows

Tank:40L
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 10
PH 6.5 - 7.0

He seems to be ok now though, although hes still doing his 'sleeping on his side' thing. When i drop his food in, wether it be flakes, a shelled pea or a bit of cucumber, he seems to suddenly jump up and be normal again. Hi colour is fine, bot faded or anything. He isnt bloated, his tummey looks fine and he doesnt look like he is breathing hard, so i dunno. Maybe i just have a Loach with some quirky characteristics

 

[WILDER]

Take him back to the lfs that tank is way to small for him, he will be stressed to death as they need to be in tank of 90gal.

 

[andyw823]

Take him back to the lfs that tank is way to small for him, he will be stressed to death as they need to be in tank of 90gal.

I agree your tank is too small! I have 2 in my 150 litre tank and at some pont there gonna need more room! As for their behavour, its sound quite normal, my 2 are very active even with the lights on, always darting around looking for food, they even have the odd scrap with each other But they do sleep in some strange ways, looked in the tank one moring and they were lay on each other on their sides! The bigger of the 2 has even been sleeping nose down with its tail fin upright, funny fish at times!

 

[stubaynton]

I think i better change my LFS then as they told me 2 in my 40L tank would be fine

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Clowns do have a habit of sleeping and when they do they will roll over onto their side and lay there looking sick or dead. They are also a highly social fish that needs the company of their own kind- 3 minimum and more is better. When left alone, they will become a bit nutty and will hide constantly.