Clown Loach that play's dead. Normal?

[Bichirs4life]

I bought a clown loach for my wifes tank to help the snail infestation that's began due to over-feeding and it seems to be blending in well with the rest of her fish but one night around 9:00 pm I noticed that it was laying on it's side. I thought that it was sick or dying and when I tapped the side of the tank it hopped up and sort of looked at me. I checked out the water levels and everything seemed ok. The next day the same thing around the same time and the same place in the tank. He laid on his side and ever since has been doing it every day about the same time. It's like he's sleeps on his side or is playing dead. Then the next day he's swimming around eating snails like nothings any different. Normal?

 

[skiptomyzoo]

as long as your water params and everything are fine, then yeah it is normal. i think ewurm on here has one that does that.

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Yes, very normal....

This is why they call them clowns! LOL

 

[Onion01]

it still stresses owners to the point of rupturing our nerves though lol

 

[Angler]

Yes, that is normal clown loach behavior. If the tank is big enough, I would get him at least 2 or 3 buddies because these fish are much happier in groups.

 

[cantdrive55]

Well I just learned something new!

 

[Onion01]

oh yes, groups of 5 minimum for clown loach happiness

 

[FireMedic]

I have a small horde of three clown loaches. Two of them "nap" on their sides. One of the two has befriended a bumblebee cat and "spoons" with it almost daily.
I usually catch all three (2 loaches, 1 cat) cuddling around 530am whenI am getting ready for work.
I will get pics if I can think of it next time. (if my brain is awake)

 

[Druu]

Loaches nap all the time. Freaks out people that stop by my room. (I'm living in a dorm.) Best comment? A guy saw a pile of 4 CLs and said, "Dude, I think your fish are having sex."

 

[Bichirs4life]

If it's normal behavior than it's cool with me. I like the little guy, and when I first walked by the tank and saw him laying on his side I was like "Are you freaking kidding?" Then when I tapped the tank he popped up and stared at me like "What's your problem?" I left him alone and the next day he was swimming around like everything was A OK. Like I said before he has his little spot in the tank and when he's tired he just plops over on his side and takes a nap. I'll make sure to get some more since they like to be in groups then. By the way that fish sex story is funny! Thanks for the advice everyone and if yours does the same be sure to post pics!