Clown loaches with a pike?

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Paullywolly

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 12, 2008
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Barrie, ON, Canada
hi all.... brand new to forum, first post!

I just setup a new 4' 75G for a 5" severum and a trio of healthy, 4" clown loaches (the planted community tank was getting crowded). This weekend I added a baby (1.5") pike (not sure of the species, the adults in the store were about 8" long. It's a common species - we don't get much variety of choice up here in the frozen north).

My question is, knowing how pikes dislike fish that look similar, am I inviting trouble with the clown loaches after the pike grows up a bit?

Thanks in advance! and great site!

PS - The pike's awesome btw! Eats like a pig, and is a MACHINE going after baby guppies and ghost shrimp (my wife thinks I'm barbaric, but hey! it's the cycle of life baby!!).
 
As long as the pike never gets big enough to consider the loaches food, they'll be fine. Pikes are fairly intelligent in my experience and can recognize what is competition for food, or just food. LOL, just kidding. Doubt the pike will do more then just chase them on occassions. Should be fine. Post pics of your pike.
 
Hopefully they aren't a larger Sax or a Lugubris species. As slow as clown loaches grow the pike could pass up the loaches in growth and eventually eat them. My Marm 2 7" ate 3 3" rainbows at one setting. So a 10"+ Sax or Lug definitely could. Just cause the ones in the store were 8" doesn't mean
they were done growing, unless you know the definitive species.
 
I don't think Crenicichla and loaches is a good idea. Besides your loaches getting eaten, the power of good and evil could cancel each other out and collapse the universe.
 
Thanks guys... Yea true enough Shadow. I think it's a c. lepidota, based on what I can find on the 'net. Not too colourful yet, not sure if he ever will be, but he's so cool! :) Will post a pic tomorrow.
 
Lol ewurm!

Believe me, if at any time those lil guys look to be in danger, I will take em out! Right now they're eating more than they ever did in the community tank, though..!
 
Ok got some pics... any ideas?

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Thanks!
 
Sveni in my opinion. It that is the case, this fish can reach over a little over 10 inches and will look very nice when grown. It may pose a threat to the loaches if it completely out grows them........Hopefully, with the head start the loaches have, they will reach 5 inches before this fish is 10 inches. If thats the case, I think they may (key word) be alright.
 
Ok, thanks for that Sic. By the time this guy is 10" (or even 6"+) I may do some rearranging... I've been watching my community tank (below) thinking how cool a lurking pike would look in the plants.... :)
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