Can I put 3" clown loaches with large cichlids?

[clekchau]

I want to put a school of clown loaches but not sure on size, they will be going in with 4" to 10" ca cichlids, the biggest being a 12" argentea.

Feedback on of 3" will be ok?

 

[talal101]

You need to remember the universal rule no mater what is that big fish eat small fish. You would be surprised at how big some fish can open their mouths and I'm pretty sue the 3" loaches would be eaten but since they spend majority of time on the bottom and when they come up it's in short fast bursts. So I would say it's possible they would live but possible they get eaten, I'm not too knowledgable about clowns but I heard they like a little salt in their water so I'm not sure if your other cichlids would like that.

 

[clekchau]

damn cause anything bigger than 3" and these guys get pricey fast.

 

[talal101]

i know what you mean, why dont you get a few and grow them out in a 20 for a few months and then introduce them....but ive been told they are notorious for slow growth

 

[Rift485]

Clown loaches have spines behind their gills which usually will deter fish from snacking on them. I'd say you would be ok.

 

[Angler]

I've had small CLs in with big Cichlids. The Cichlids always ignored them. You will be fine.