My two new Clown Loaches

[Steve_89]

Very nice

My big loach always lies on its side.

 

[DeLgAdO]

The play dead thing really freaked me out the first time I saw it. I had only had them for a couple weeks and thought that they had all gotten ill. Joey toe, they grow pretty slow but do best in groups, you might want to get a couple more, when you get 5or so they play follow the leader, it is a crack up.

the biggest one is always the leader

 

[qumqats]

Just be careful around their mouths. Those little tentacle things can get you. I moved my tank with them in it once, and when I went to catch them to get them out, one got me and drew blood.

Those are called barbels. They're sensory organs used to 'smell' the food in the substrate as they're nosing around looking for food.

Closeups of the barbels on Clown Loaches
Closeups of the barbels on YoYo loachs

They are NOT what drew blood. Many species of loaches have suborbital spines. They're usually retracted so you don't see them often. The loach can extend them to protect itself or to use in pecking order battles.

spine flash video

 

[joeytoe]

Added two more lil Loaches tonight thinking maybe one more, to have a gang of 5 swimming around in the tank as my Plecos dont move alot.

 

[joeytoe]

Added two more lil Loaches tonight thinking maybe one more, to have a gang of 5 swimming around in the tank as my Plecos dont move alot.

heres a pic of all 4 loaches.

 

[ewurm]

nahhhhhhhh some steroids an theyll be monsters in no time.

Yeah put some andro in your tank, thats what Mark McGwire does!

 

[ewurm]

Congrats on your loach purchase. These are my favorite fish. They have great coloration and they are very active!

 

[Pangong_ilong]

They love to play dead, just found out today. And it scared me.

 

[MarlboroMan]

Cool purchase, thinking of getting some myself. Seems like they can live with slighty bigger fish.

 

[ewurm]

Yeah, they will lay on their side. Mine never do it, but it will happen. Anyone know why they do it? Are they really playing dead?