naughty clown loaches

[jhelen]

Hi

My clown loach are chasing and attacking the other fish especially my angels.

Is this normal??

Also at feeding time they sniff round the other fish really violently and try to nibble at them

 

[Puffer_freak]

Yeah, they probably aren't attacking, just playing. Unless they've gone red.

 

[jhelen]

they might be just playing but they are damaging the other fishes fins.

I have 2 fish with ripped fins now

I think it would be best to take them back as it is only a 20 gallon. I only wanted 2 angelfish in there and my b/f went and bought the clowns

 

[breezer40]

Clowns LOVE their food (or at least mine do) Any chance of a meal even if some other fishy already has eyes on it is fair game.

I've had clowns with angels and didn't have any problems but like Puffer_freak said they are probally just playing. They do like a place to hide (I have a bamboo tube) .. this makes them feel safe and if you haven't got cover for them then might be an idea to provide some..will help them to settle down.

 

[SirMinion]

Twenty gallons isn't big enough for two angels.

Twenty gallons isn't big enough for two clown loach.

Twenty gallons certainly isn't big enough for two angels and two clown loach!

Tank size aside, clown loach have a very sharp spine just in front in the eye. This can sometimes damage other fish when the clown loach is in 'feeding frenzy' mode.

 

[breezer40]

I missed the 20g bit! I have to go with SirMinion the tank is way to small for either angels or clowns

 

[David]

I have to agree with you that 20 gallons is definitely too small for clowns, and they may be acting territorial. However, i do not agree that angels can't be kept in 20 gallons. They can, easily. When I was a newb I kept and angel pair in my 10 gallon, along with several guppies and cories, and they spawned spontaneously on the glass, evidence that they were living comfortably.

 

[corrosive]

One problem with angels is that they need a tall tank, because they are very long from top to bottom.

Perferably 18" tall or more, when they are adults.

 

[Zippy]

Completely agree with the above, angels and clowns are to small for a 20g.

 

[jhelen]

i do know all this

AND i did say that i only wanted 2 angels in there and since angels need 10 gallons each and the tank is 18 " tall i dont see a problem with that

The problem is that my boyfriend brought the clowns, I did not and do not want them.
I dont even like them.

I have learnt a lot of stuff from these forums but it is very annoying when you keep getting slated for keeping too many fish, when I am aware how many fish I am supposed to have but unortunately I cannot convince my boyfriend to take back the clowns at the moment, because apparantly I do not know what I am talking about, because his friend sold him these fish and he trusts his friend because he owns the shop.
I know that his friend is a complete t*** and is totally wrong and I do want to do whats right for the fish but it is hard to argue a case against a stubborn male

Now that you know all this I hope you wont keep having a go at me when I need advice.

anyway they WILL go back eventually as I will get my way if I keep going on, but i AM keeping my angels

 

[smithrc]

i do know all this

AND i did say that i only wanted 2 angels in there and since angels need 10 gallons each and the tank is 18 " tall i dont see a problem with that

The problem is that my boyfriend brought the clowns, I did not and do not want them.
I dont even like them.

I have learnt a lot of stuff from these forums but it is very annoying when you keep getting slated for keeping too many fish, when I am aware how many fish I am supposed to have but unortunately I cannot convince my boyfriend to take back the clowns at the moment, because apparantly I do not know what I am talking about, because his friend sold him these fish and he trusts his friend because he owns the shop.
I know that his friend is a complete t*** and is totally wrong and I do want to do whats right for the fish but it is hard to argue a case against a stubborn male

Now that you know all this I hope you wont keep having a go at me when I need advice.

anyway they WILL go back eventually as I will get my way if I keep going on, but i AM keeping my angels

well said.

it may be your clowns compeating for food... ours chase other fish away untill they have had their fill.

we feed in different areas of our tank to avoid food 'hotspots' - but our tank is bigger. you might need to try it.

do you see them doing it? is it constant - or just around feeding time?

 

[kevin007]

i kept mine in a 10 GALLON fro 1 week they were agressive as hell, especially during feeding time now they are in my 55 gallon , no more problem

 

[jhelen]

its at feeding time but also other times, at night mostly

anyway they are gonna go back so I guess I wont need to worry about it

thanks tho

I didnt mean to rant I just get annoyed, I do look after my fish and I have never had a death..I know that my angels are better with me than with a kid who will torment them and I know if I give them back thats where they will end up, (there is not a lot of dedicated fish keepers round here -theres only ever kids in the shop going mom, can i have this can i have that)

 

[FanOFish]

I'm not sure anyone was picking on you about too many fish in your tank. I believe they were giving their opinion as to why you may have been having trouble with your clowns.

The reason you are having problems with your clowns and angels is just that....there is not enough room for them all. It's the answer to your original question I believe.

 

[wuvmybetta]

Maybe try throwing an algae wafer in at night They may leave the angels alone if they're kept busy.