Currently have a setup with 10 clown loaches about 1.5-2”. What type of cichlids would be compatible with them? Tank is filled with rocks and large empty shells (hoping to get some shell dweller cichlids). I was looking into Julidochromis Transcriptus i love the pattern and they max out at 3”. Would these be okay with the loaches? Or any other species anyone could recommend? Thank you!
Clown loach with cichlids??
- Thread starter David1999
- Start date
not sure about julidochromis, but I've seen clowns kept with a variety of cichlids, even larger, aggressive types (to a point), and have been consistently surprised by how well they can do sometimes.
Common logic would tell not to try it, but just thought id mention there are exceptions to the rule; perhaps other forum members can speak from experience
Common logic would tell not to try it, but just thought id mention there are exceptions to the rule; perhaps other forum members can speak from experience
Clowns can be kept with a wild range of cichlids. I have keep them with Mbuna, peacocks and haps. I'm not real big into SA species but I know they even can be kept with some of the larger SA species as well. The only concern I would have is if it is a small clown and a large aggressive SA species then you don't want to change the larger fish eating the small clown because clowns have a spine that locks in place when threatened and can cause a choking issue if a bigger fish eats it. Other than that they are a fish that can be kept with quite a large variety of cichlids.
They tend to be a social fish as well and usually will be more active when in groups of 4-6. They are also a very slow grower. Every one I have ever had usually hits 4" quickly in the first 2 years but then slows down growth to a snails pace after about 4.5" to 5" range.
They tend to be a social fish as well and usually will be more active when in groups of 4-6. They are also a very slow grower. Every one I have ever had usually hits 4" quickly in the first 2 years but then slows down growth to a snails pace after about 4.5" to 5" range.
Parts on the year clown loaches spend in soft black water habitats, so to me cichlids that inhabit similar waters would be my choice. South American cichlids from Amazonia east of the Andes, or west Africa would fit that bill, and the South Americans from those habitats tend to be a little less aggressive.
And as said above, cichlids being substrate huggers and territorial as are substrate loving loaches, so choosing mid water, or small to medium cichlids might prevent conflict.
Geographically speaking, clowns being from Borneo and other parts of South East Asia where no endemic cichlids are found, so I would think gouramis, or wild type Bettas would be a more correct choice. And since clowns tend to appreciate fast moving water, some of the wild mouth breeding Bettas found in fast moving streams in Borneo, would be perfect.
And example, Betta albimarginatta
These Bettas are able to be kept, in groups (,ales and females) and I used leaf litter to supply tannins, that the clowns might appreciate for their anti-bacterial health reasons.
And as said above, cichlids being substrate huggers and territorial as are substrate loving loaches, so choosing mid water, or small to medium cichlids might prevent conflict.
Geographically speaking, clowns being from Borneo and other parts of South East Asia where no endemic cichlids are found, so I would think gouramis, or wild type Bettas would be a more correct choice. And since clowns tend to appreciate fast moving water, some of the wild mouth breeding Bettas found in fast moving streams in Borneo, would be perfect.
And example, Betta albimarginatta
These Bettas are able to be kept, in groups (,ales and females) and I used leaf litter to supply tannins, that the clowns might appreciate for their anti-bacterial health reasons.
