Clown loach spike

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G

Gunza

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 17, 2007
33
0
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Perth - Australia
Hello all, I have 3 Clown loaches in a 200 Litre tank. One of these is my favorite which i've had for 3 years. since last tank clean out, and re-arranging the ornaments, Large loach likes to lye vertically in a plastic log i have, so he rarely come out for anyone to see. although this morning when i fed them.. i noticed he had a spike protruding on the left side of his face, just infront and below his eye. it curves backwards and there is a flap of skin connecting it to the rest of his body- kinda looks like a web of skin between ducks feet- He dosent have any obvious wounds in the area- Could it be an abnormal growth?? the spike looks kinda sharp at the end too. I am trying to get a photo at the moment, but you all prolly know how tricky loaches can be with cameras!

thanks for any help. and sorry for my spelling, im on my labtop.

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spelling isn't controlled by where you type :P

The knives are on clowns, that's why not a lot of people will pick them up, they are very sharp and they will use them if threatened. they don't usually use them among themselves. don't be too worried by them, they will come and go as they relax and tense up, sometimes it looks like they are stretching.
 
David R;1710832; said:
I guess you haven't had any contact with them when moving them!!
The spike is normal, all loaches have it AFAIK, it becomes more visible on larger fish.
Not sure why it would be sticking out like that though.
Click to expand...
David, not all loaches have those spines. Remember that you are counting the hillstream loaches, kuhli loaches, schisturas and a few others which are not of botiine genus. Only botiine loaches have those spines.
 
Cool loaches, and very nice subocular spines!
 
Thanks everyone!

I woke up this morning and it was gone again - folded away.

once i was moving my tank and picked him up and felt what i thought was a bike- but it may have been him spiking me :P

thanks again
 
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