Rehoming Of Clown Loach (Chromobotia Macracanthus)

[Kaidonni]

Age and condition: 9 years ~4 inches
Quantity for sale: 1
Reason for Sale: In need of re-homing due to unsuitable tank size
Delivery or Collection: Collection only
Sales price: N/A in this instance
Willing to Ship (Yes or No): No
Postage & Packaging Price: N/A
Location: Dudley, West Midlands, UK
 
Please read this before going any further: This is not a sale, it is a rehoming. While I am not charging money for the rehoming, there are strict conditions that must be met and that are not up for negotiation. Only fishkeepers experienced with the care of Clown Loaches (Chromobotia macracanthus) will be considered among the suitable applicants to this advertisement.

=====

I require the assistance of a freshwater aquarium keeper in the rehoming of a ~4' 9 year old Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus). I purchased the fish when I was far more naive and ignorant in fishkeeping, along with some others who are unfortunately no longer alive. They lived a long time without any complications until succumbing to a chronic wasting disease between 2013-2014.

I have closely observed the remaining Clown Loach since March 2014 for signs of disease, and in particular I am satisfied that there is no cause for concern as regards fish Tb due to the lack of any symptoms apart from wasting in the two Clown Loaches who died; in the case of the second Clown Loach who died, by the time there were other symptoms (fin rot) they were clearly secondary infections. I have discussed the situation at length with a tropical fish specialist, and can provide contact details if anybody wishes to discuss it with him ahead of accepting the responsibility of rehoming the Clown Loach.

The following requirements in rehoming the remaining Clown Loach must be observed:

1) Aside from it being a sensible precaution and in light of the issues of 'Skinny Disease', as the Clown Loach being rehomed has resided in a tank much smaller than is necessary or acceptable for his species - first 90L then 45-50L - the person who rehomes the Clown Loach must possess a quarantine tank and also the facilities to acclimate the Clown Loach to larger surroundings (which may be the quarantine tank itself). It would not be wise for him to be taken from the current tank and suddenly placed in the minimum size for a Clown Loach (200 litres and greater), rather somewhere in between where he can properly acclimate.

2) The person who rehomes the Clown Loach must possess a great deal of experience in Clown Loach care. You might have the necessary facilities and also Clown Loaches, but that isn't enough. This is a rehoming, so you must know what you are doing when taking on a Clown Loach, especially one that has experienced complications in its previous home. This is not just another fish to add to your collection.

3) The Clown Loach would need to be collected from my home; these are already delicate fish, and I honestly do not trust myself to remove from the tank and safely transport him to his new home. This is one reason why you must have a great deal of experience in Clown Loach care - including physically handling them and limiting the stress they experience when being handled and transported. I don't want to end up killing him during the rehoming process.

I realise what an idiot I have been and how this situation could have been easily avoided, but I can't change what has already happened, all I can do is make sure I do right by him now and stop making mistakes.

 

[ShinySideUp]

Shame, I have a six foot tank with seven Clowns in it and I did the same as you but fortunately was able to increase tank size to accommodate them. I have no quarantine tank and you are right in that the fish must be quarantined in this case.
 
It is fine for you to move the fish yourself as it is the same as moving any other fish -- match water quality, temperature and have dark places for the fish to hide in it's new environment. However with Clown loaches you must beware of the suboculer spines which will cut you if raised when your hand is near and trust me, they really can cut, I know this from experience

.
 
Good luck and I hope your fish finds a good home.
 
PS if you like loaches but don't have a large tank then I can recommend Zebra Loaches which grow to a maximum of four inches (my five are smaller and fully grown) and behave very similarly to Clowns but without the size. They too will eat small snails.

 

[Kaidonni]

To be honest, I'd prefer it to be a collection as I'm already terrified of harming the fish with all sorts of things, from knocking his castle when I clean the tank to introducing toxins when adding new water. Given the already delicate nature of Clown Loaches, I just don't want to leave anything to chance. I'm even going to be treating prophylactically with Levacide - which contains Levamisole Hydrochloride, one of the recommended treatments for chronic wasting in Loaches - as I'm not sure if I've noticed any thinning at all (if I have, it's a minute amount), but I want to make sure just in case, especially ahead of any rehoming.