Clown Loaches

[Annastasia]

Okay, I asked if I could get clown loaches for my 30 gallon community tank. Somebody replied that they would grow too big. I told them that I had had clown loaches in my 20 gallon, and they only stayed about 3". I got a reply saying my fish had been "stunted" Which means they had stopped growing on the outside, but their organs were still growing inside, and they would be in pain. I told this to my friend, who has 2 clown loaches in a 10 gallon tank. She said I was being silly.
So, is it true that they stop growing on the outside, but not on the inside?

Thanks!

 

[ryan]

Once Clowns reach 3-4 inches their growth rate slows right down, however, they will still eventually reach 10-12" believe me. How long did you have your Clowns for?

 

[Annastasia]

I had my clowns for about 6 months, then they died in a hurricane.

But, is it true they stop growing on the outside, but not the inside? And are they in pain?

 

[ryan]

Yes it is true, the perfect example are Common Plecs, people buy them small and keep them in a small tank and the poor fish lives for a few years and dies a horrible death. But I doubt this is the cause of death for your Clowns. But it does happen, their body growth is stunted and the internal organs continue to grow causing and extremely painful death.

 

[Nikb]

How can the internal organs continue to grow? Usually the external size of an animal is dictated by it's internal size. I can't see how this would make any sense as the pressure from internal organs would cause an expansion in the epidermis leading it to get bigger. It would be more logical to assume that they are just growing to a size appropriate for their environment. After all phenotype = genotype + environment.

 

[Annastasia]

Yes it is true, the perfect example are Common Plecs, people buy them small and keep them in a small tank and the poor fish lives for a few years and dies a horrible death. But I doubt this is the cause of death for your Clowns. But it does happen, their body growth is stunted and the internal organs continue to grow causing and extremely painful death.

Yeah, I know it's not the cause of my clown loaches death, but I just wanted to know.

 

[Perky]

Yes it is true. Another example is keeping Silver Sharks in a 10 g or gibbiceps in 10 g. Does the same happen to RTC (red tail cats)

 

[Cheese Specialist]

It was me who told you and I can assure you it's totally true. You might want to tell your friend exactly who's being silly.

 

[Annastasia]

It was me who told you and I can assure you it's totally true. You might want to tell your friend exactly who's being silly.

Okay, sorry I couldn't remember who told me!
I gave her this forum link, so she can see for herself.
Thanks, you guys!

 

[Cheese Specialist]

It was me who told you and I can assure you it's totally true.  You might want to tell your friend exactly who's being silly.

Okay, sorry I couldn't remember who told me!
I gave her this forum link, so she can see for herself.
Thanks, you guys!

LOL, it doesn't bother me that you couldn't remember!!

Thanks for linking your friend to this site, we don't know everything but I can tell you and her now that keeping 2 potentially 10" clown loaches in a 10 gallon tank is not good.

Shame they atre so cute when they are small. You should see some of the beasts they turn into. G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S! Here's a lionk to a site with some info about them which also has pics of some pretty big ones!! Link

 

[Annastasia]

WOW!! They get REALLY big!! They are so pretty though!!
I have one question. How big of a tank do I have to get to keep clown loaches?

Okay, I am glad you are not bothered that I couldn't remember!
I usually have a good memory, but sometimes, it just goes! I know I could have just gone and looked it up, but I am a little lazy!!

 

[nightlife20]

i was thinkin f gettin 2 of these tomoz for my 40gal can i still get them or would i be advised not to?


btw its a 40 long

 

[ryan]

i was thinkin f gettin 2 of these tomoz for my 40gal can i still get them or would i be advised not to?


btw its a 40 long

That will be ok for a long time yet Nightlife, several years. I would advise you to get three plus though rather than two.

Good Luck

 

[nightlife20]

how about 4 then? the two were because the lfs owe me two fish, i brought 2 corys (both had fungus when i brought them but died the next day even tho i quarentined them an put medication in) ... but its pay day tomoz so im havin

2-4 clown loaches
plus another red clawed crab



other tank
couple more golden barbs (wich will bring me upto 4 of them)
and 2 more large green barbs...


the two catfish will be commin into my bigger tank as my smaller tank will be a barb tank, thinkin of takin my rainbow shark back... not sure yet tho cause i love him could put him in my 40 in a couple of months time....

 

[guppygirl]

Hello all,
Yes I am the evil friend. Although you have to agree it does seem a little silly at first. Unfortunately, there's not much I can do about it , not only did I not put him in there (I didn't even want to buy jim) but it's impossible to fish him out without stressing out all my other fish for three hours!!!!
(not to mention destroying all my live plants that are in there)
So, yes Shayla, I am sorry I didn't take you seriously. Truce?
YF
Robin