Clown Loach

£4.99£14.99

Common Name: Clown Loach

Latin Name: Chromobotia macracanthus

Synonyms: Botia macracantha

Tank Bred: Yes, Clown Loaches are widely bred in captivity.

Distribution: Clown Loaches are native to Indonesia, specifically the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.

Max Size: In the wild, Clown Loaches can reach up to 16 inches (40 cm) in length, but in captivity they can but rarely grow to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm).

Lifespan: Clown Loaches can live up to 15-20 years with proper care.

Temperature Range: 75-86°F (24-30°C)

pH Range: 6.0-7.5

KH Range: 3-8

Care Level: Clown Loaches are a bit on the delicate side and require an experienced aquarist to properly care for them.

Lighting Preference: They do not have any specific lighting preferences, but they do need a regular day/night cycle.

Suitable for Planted Tanks: Yes, Clown Loaches can coexist with live plants, but they may uproot some plants in their search for food.

Preferred Food: Clown Loaches are omnivores and require a varied diet of both meaty and plant-based foods. They enjoy live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia, as well as sinking pellets and flakes.

Behaviour: Clown Loaches are social fish and should be kept in groups of 5 or more. They are peaceful with other fish but may become territorial with each other if not provided with enough space. They are also known for their playful and curious behaviour.

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Bulk deal
Quantity Discount Discounted price
6 - 11 10% -
12 - 21 12.5% -
22 - 99 15% -
100 + 20% -

Buy multiples of the same fish to save money

DRY GOODS

Aquarium plants can be shipped under the same shipping rules as dry goods.

Free shipping on orders over £50 (may exclude some aquariums)  Geographical restrictions may apply

LIVESTOCK = Fish, Critters and Corals

Minimum order value £30Delivery charge £19.99. Delivery days Are Varied At The Moment.  We will contact you to confirm your delivery day. Some geographical restrictions apply See shipping

Aquarium Plants: Are shipped the same as and can be mixed with Dry goods *Free shipping on orders over £50 or £6.99 for orders under £50. Some geographical restrictions may apply.

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Clown Loach, scientific name Chromobotia macracanthus, is a popular freshwater aquarium fish known for its vibrant colours and playful behaviour. They can grow up to 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) in the wild, but rarely reach more than 8 inches (20cm) in aquariums. (We sell a huge amount of these fish and customers are welcome to bring them back if they get too big. We have seen only a handful of  Clown Loach that have grown too big in 30 years+) They have a long, cylindrical body shape with a flat, tapered head and small eyes. They have a bright orange body with three broad, black stripes that run the length of their body, giving them a unique and striking appearance.

Natural Habitat

Clown loaches are found in the slow-moving rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, where the water is generally clear and shallow, with sandy or muddy bottoms and plenty of vegetation, rocks, and fallen logs. They are typically found in areas with moderate to strong current and are known to migrate upstream to spawn during the rainy season.

In their natural habitat, clown loaches have access to a wide variety of foods, including small crustaceans, insects, worms, and plant matter. They are also known to consume fish eggs and fry.

Clown loaches are social and often found in large groups in their natural habitat. They are known to engage in playful behavior with one another, such as chasing and nipping.

Their natural habitat can be replicated in an aquarium by providing plenty of hiding places, such as rocks, caves, and plants, and creating a moderate to strong water flow. They also require a soft, sandy substrate to mimic their natural environment.

It is important to note that clown loaches can grow quite large in the wild, reaching up to 40 cm (16 inches) in length. However, they rarely exceed 20 cm (8 inches) in captivity. Therefore, it is important to ensure that their aquarium is large enough to accommodate their eventual size and swimming needs.

Keeping Clown Loach Healthy – Chromobotia macracanthus

Clown Loaches are generally hardy fish and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists. However, they do require certain conditions to remain healthy and thrive. They require a spacious tank with plenty of hiding places and soft, sandy substrate. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0-7.5), and temperatures between 75-86°F (24-30°C). They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six to reduce stress and ensure they display their natural behaviours.

Special Requirements and Feeding

Clown Loaches are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, including sinking pellets, flakes, frozen foods, and live foods. They should be fed a varied diet consisting of both plant and animal-based foods to keep them healthy and active. They are also known to be sensitive to some medications, so care should be taken when administering treatments.

How Many Should I Keep?

Clown Loaches are social fish that thrive in groups, and it’s recommended to keep them in groups of at least six. However, they are known to grow large, so the aquarium should be big enough to accommodate the school comfortably.

Lighting Preference

Clown Loaches do not have any specific lighting requirements, but it’s important to provide plenty of hiding places and subdued lighting to help them feel secure and reduce stress.

Suitable Tank Mates

Clown Loaches are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive

fish species that prefer similar water conditions. Avoid keeping them with very small fish that they may mistake for food and be cautious when introducing them to new tank mates to avoid any aggression.

Breeding Clown Loach – Chromobotia macracanthus

Clown Loaches have been bred in captivity, but it’s relatively rare in the home aquarium. They require specific water conditions and spawning triggers, such as changes in water temperature and water chemistry, to breed successfully.

Sexual Dimorphism

It can be difficult to tell the sex of Clown Loaches, but females tend to be slightly larger and fuller-bodied than males.

Lifespan

Clown Loaches have a lifespan of up to 20 years in ideal conditions, but they typically live for around 10-15 years in captivity.

Distribution

Clown Loaches – Chromobotia macracanthus are native to Southeast Asia, including Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula. They are widely bred in captivity, but many are still collected from the wild. It’s important to buy from reputable sources to ensure the fish are sustainably sourced and healthy.

Summary

Clown Loach – Chromobotia macracanthus are a colourful and active freshwater fish that can make a great addition to a community aquarium. With their playful nature and unique appearance, they are a popular choice for many hobbyists. They do require some specific care requirements, such as a large aquarium with plenty of hiding places, suitable tank mates, and a balanced diet. However, with proper care, they can live for up to 20 years in captivity. It is important to research and understand their natural habitat and needs before adding them to an aquarium.

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Dry Goods Delivery.

The store has provided information regarding their order dispatch and estimated delivery times. Here are the key details:

  1. Dispatch Timeframe: Orders placed before 2pm will be dispatched on the same day. Orders placed after 2pm will be dispatched on the next working day.
  2. Delivery Date and Time Guarantee: While the store aims to dispatch orders promptly, they cannot guarantee a specific delivery date and time. As the delivery process relies on couriers, there may be factors beyond their control that could affect the delivery timeframe.
  3. 1st Class Mail: For orders sent via 1st Class mail, the aim is to have them delivered on the next working day after dispatch.
  4. 2nd Class Mail: Orders sent via 2nd Class mail typically take approximately 2-3 working days for delivery after dispatch.
  5. APC Next Day Delivery: APC Next Day delivery is available for UK mainland postcodes. It is usually delivered on the next working day after dispatch. However, please note that items being delivered to more remote areas may require additional time for delivery.

It’s important to keep in mind that while the store strives to provide efficient delivery services, unforeseen circumstances or external factors could potentially impact delivery times. For further details or specific inquiries about delivery, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.

Livestock Delivery.

The store maintains specific policies regarding the delivery of livestock. Here are the key points:

  1. Licensed Livestock Courier: The store exclusively uses a licensed livestock courier for shipping fish and coral. This approach is chosen to ensure responsible and ethical transportation of the livestock.
  2. Livestock Shipping Fee: The livestock shipping fee charged to customers of £19.99 does not cover the true cost, and therefore, there is a minimum spend requirement of £30.00 before the option for livestock shipping becomes available.
  3. Pre-Arranged Delivery: The store never ships livestock without first arranging a suitable delivery day. Before dispatching the livestock, the store must confirm the agreed-upon delivery day with the customer.
  4. Saturday Delivery Confirmation: Customers who choose Saturday delivery must have their availability confirmed for the upcoming Saturday before the store sends out the livestock. This confirmation ensures that the livestock can be received promptly.
  5. Failure to wait for livestock: Not waiting for livestock, even if there is a reasonable delay, or cancelling an order after it has been dispatched will lead to you incurring charges for an emergency return to the base. Additionally, any losses of livestock will also be charged to you. Please be aware that the items you are ordering are living creatures – livestock. We kindly ask that you refrain from ordering livestock if you are unable to accommodate the possibility of a delayed delivery.

    These terms and conditions are a fundamental aspect of our policy. Our primary goal is to dissuade individuals who could react negatively to a delayed delivery and subsequently request order cancellations. It is of utmost importance to underscore that your order pertains to living creatures, not mere inanimate objects. In the event of an occasional delay, it is crucial that you respond in a rational and responsible manner, taking into account the welfare of the livestock. We kindly request that you refrain from placing an order for livestock if you tend to react strongly to such situations. By proceeding with the order of livestock, you indicate your acceptance and agreement to abide by these specified terms and conditions.

  6. Signature Requirement: Livestock deliveries require a signature upon receipt and cannot be left in a safe location. This precaution ensures proper handling and the well-being of the livestock.
  7. Geographic Restrictions: The courier has strict geographic restrictions for livestock deliveries. Unfortunately, deliveries to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and certain Scottish offshore postcodes may not be possible. Customers are encouraged to contact the store via email to confirm if livestock delivery is available in their area.
  8. Minimum Order Value and Order Cancellations: The store has a minimum order value of £30 for livestock shipping. Additionally, the store reserves the right to cancel orders that are deemed high-risk or involve a high number of single tropical freshwater fish species.

It is essential for customers to familiarize themselves with these policies before making a purchase. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or reach out to the store directly for clarification.

Livestock Geographical Exemptions.

The store has specific geographical exemptions for livestock deliveries. Here is a list of the areas and postcodes where livestock delivery is not available:

  1. Islands: Livestock cannot be delivered to the Shetlands, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
  2. Postcodes: Livestock delivery is not available to the following postcodes:
  • AB30 to AB39, AB41 to AB45, AB51 to AB56
  • DD8 to DD10
  • BT all
  • DG3 to DG9, DG12 to DG14
  • KA18 to KA19, KA26, KA29 to KA30
  • HS all
  • IM all
  • JE all
  • ZE all
  • KW15 to KW17
  • TD9
  • FK17 to FK21
  • GY all
  • KA26, to KA28
  • PA20 to PA38, PA41 to PA49, PA60 to PA61, PA76 to PA78
  • TR21, to TR25
  • PH3 to PH26, PH30 to PH44
  • IV all

Customers residing in these areas should be aware that livestock delivery is not available to their location.

We can ship livestock to the Isle of Wight, this area is subject to a surcharge.

For further information or specific inquiries about livestock delivery to a particular area, customers are advised to contact the store directly for clarification.

Cancellation.

According to the store’s policy, customers have the right to cancel an order within 14 working days of receiving the goods. To initiate the cancellation, the goods must be returned to the store in new and unused condition, adhering to their Returns Policy.

Important points regarding the return process are as follows:

  1. Return Condition: The goods must be returned in new and unused condition, as originally received. It is important to ensure that the goods are in the same condition as when they were sent out.
  2. Return Timeframe: The goods must be received by the store within 21 days of notifying them about the cancellation. During this time, customers are responsible for any loss or damage that may occur during the return shipping process.
  3. Refund Process: Once the store receives the goods in new and unused condition, they will initiate the refund process. The purchase price will be refunded to the customer.
  4. Return Condition Inspection: If the returned goods arrive in a condition that is less than what they were sent out in, the store reserves the right to return the goods to the customer, and no refund will be processed.

It is essential for customers to carefully review the store’s Returns Policy and follow the specified procedures to ensure a smooth and successful return and refund process. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.

Returns.

According to the store’s return policy, the following guidelines should be followed for returning goods:

  1. Use Returns Form: Customers need to use the store’s provided returns form to initiate the return process. This form helps the store acknowledge that the goods are being sent back.
  2. Return for Testing: If the goods are being returned for testing, the customer is responsible for covering the return shipping expenses.
  3. Refund of Postage Fees: The store will only refund postage fees if the order arrives damaged or becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of purchase. Proof of posting is important, and customers should ensure the goods are well-packed and obtain proof of posting as the goods remain their responsibility until received by the store.
  4. Refund of Postage Costs for Replacement: If goods are being returned within 7 days of purchase under the Replacement Policy, the store can refund postage costs. However, the customer needs to agree on a delivery service with the store in advance, and only standard or tracked shipping fees will be refunded. The store cannot refund the cost of any special delivery service.
  5. Non-Refundable Postage: Postage costs for goods returned for any other reason than those mentioned above are non-refundable. The store reserves the right to deduct the original postage cost from any applicable refund.
  6. Mistaken Purchases: If a customer has made a mistake in their purchase, they need to return the goods to the store. The customer is responsible for the return shipping costs in such cases.

It is important for customers to carefully follow the store’s return procedures and terms and conditions. For further details or specific inquiries, customers should refer to the store’s website or contact the store directly.

Replacements

If customers receive faulty goods, the following guidelines apply according to the store’s policy:

  1. Notification of Faulty Goods: Customers must notify the store within 7 working days if they receive faulty goods. This notification should be made as soon as possible.
  2. Replacement Parts: If possible, the store will dispatch replacement parts for the faulty goods.
  3. Return of Goods: If replacement parts are not possible, the store may request customers to return the faulty goods in accordance with their Returns Policy. The specific return procedures and conditions should be followed.
  4. Verification of Damage: Once the store receives the returned goods, they will verify the damage. If the damage is confirmed, the store will supply the required replacements.
  5. Return Postage Costs: If the goods returned to the store are found to be in good working order, the store is not able to refund the return postage costs. Additionally, the store reserves the right to deduct their original postage cost from any applicable refund.
  6. Consequential Loss or Damage: The store cannot take responsibility for any consequential loss or damage that arises directly or indirectly from the goods supplied.

Customers should carefully review and adhere to the store’s Returns Policy and procedures for returning faulty goods. For further clarification or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.

Manufacturer’s Guarantees

The store works in collaboration with manufacturers to ensure that their guarantees are honored, and they make their best efforts to resolve issues within the warranty period. The following guidelines apply to refunds and replacements:

  1. Postage Costs under Manufacturer’s Guarantee: Postage costs can only be refunded if the goods are returned to the store within 7 days of the original purchase, as per the manufacturer’s guarantee.
  2. Refund of Postage Costs for Faulty Goods: The store will refund postage costs for guarantee/warranty returns only if the product becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of receipt.
  3. Replacements with Manufacturer Authorization: Replacements, whether parts or goods, can only be offered when authorized by the manufacturer. Customers should contact the store for further guidance in such cases.
  4. Prior Approval for Returns: Goods should not be returned to the store without prior approval. Customers need to contact the store and obtain approval before returning any items.
  5. Replacement of Glass or Ceramic Items: Glass or ceramic items can only be replaced if the store is notified within 48 hours of receiving the delivery.
  6. Replacement of Glass Bulbs/Tubes: Glass bulbs or tubes can only be replaced if they become faulty within 14 days.

Customers should note and adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and efficient resolution of any issues with their purchased items. For specific inquiries or further information, customers are advised to refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.

Breakages

According to the store’s policy, customers have the following responsibilities regarding breakages:

  1. Checking Goods on Arrival: It is the customer’s responsibility to thoroughly check the goods upon arrival for any damage. This should be done before signing for the parcel. If the parcel appears damaged, it is advised not to sign for it.
  2. Reporting Breakages: Any breakages or damages must be reported to the store within 48 hours of receiving the goods. It is important to promptly notify the store to initiate the resolution process.

By carefully inspecting the goods upon arrival and reporting any breakages within the specified timeframe, customers can ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the issue. For specific instructions on reporting breakages or further information, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.