Question about botia's and clown loaches

[Yumu]

I have a 65 gallon grow out tank stocked with a giant red tail gourami and about 5 clown loaches and three red tail botia's. My loaches and botia's have become more aggressive lately. I find them pestering my gourami. They follow him around and seem to be nipping his tail. Has anyone experienced this behavior from loaches or botia's before? I don't want them to destroy his fins or worst, cause an infection. Any info is appreciated. Thanks

 

[FSM]

I have read that red tail botias are more aggressive, similar to skunk loaches. I never had any problems with my clowns though. You should separate them; the problem isn't going to resolve itself spontaneously.

 

[Yumu]

Thanks appreciate the advice.

 

[Redearsunfish]

I have read that red tail botias are more aggressive, similar to skunk loaches. I never had any problems with my clowns though. You should separate them; the problem isn't going to resolve itself spontaneously.

Great advice. I agree!

Loaches tend to be quite boisterous and inquisitive, and like to test things out with thier mouths. They also have spikes under thier eyes that they can use when they want to, so like a saltwater trigger fish, if they wanted to do damage, they could, even if they are not outright agressive.

 

[Madding]

Your RT Botia's are going to become a problem for your fish even more as they grow. Mine are almost six inches long now and they have killed other loaches before from their constant nipping.

And yes, the eye spines are very annoying, but usually aren't used against other species unless the fish thinks it is in danger. I recently was cut on my index finger from a boisterous loach.

 

[Yumu]

Thanks guys just started to notice their weird behavior. I recently saw one sitting on a rock...I couldn't believe what I was seeing..