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Royal Clown LoachQueen Loach, Elongate Loach Family: Cobitidae
Reaching up to 20" (50 cm) in its natural habitat, the massive Royal Clown Loach is not often available; but when it is it commands a hefty price!The Royal Clown Loach is fascinating to keep. Both its size and coloring make it an interesting addition to those with a very large aquarium. Its mode of swimming is also fascinating, it has a side to side motion similar to that of an eel. A very large loach from China, the Royal Clown Loach is usually imported at between 7 - 12" (18 - 30 cm). It is quite attractive with a light golden to grayish brown body. There are irregular dark markings on it that are a mix of vertical stripes, bands, or just blotches. Its head is darker being a more grayish blue overall with yellowish brown sides. The tail is red with dark blotches, it has short pectoral and side fins, and there are three pairs of barbels. The Royal Clown Loach is actually a very shy nocturnal fish and will tend to be active only at night or when eating. They will appreciate plenty of hiding and resting places in rocks and roots. Though they are carnivores, with small fish being their natural diet, they are not aggressive. They can be be kept with other large non-aggressive tank mates as well as others of their own species. Just keep in mind that if any tank mate can fit in their mouth, it will become lunch. For more Information on keeping this fish see:
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| Geographic Distribution Leptobotia elongata |
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| Point data provided by FishBase.org |
Care and feeding:
Since they are carnivorous,
the Royal Clown Loach does best with live foods, especially earthworms.
In their natural habitat they feed on small fish. They can also be offered
various frozen proteins such as bloodworm as well as pelleted foods.
This fish needs a very large aquarium with places for retreat
such as rocks, and roots. They are quite shy and will appreciate subdued
lighting. They do best in a warmer aquarium with soft to medium, slightly
acidic water and must have frequent water changes of about 10% a week.
The substrate can be gravel or a large grain sand that does not have sharp
edges.
Distribution:
Royal Clown Loaches are found in Asia; China, originating
from the middle and upper areas of the Yangtze River.
Size - Weight:
These fish are generally seen at about 7 - 12" (18 -
30 cm) in the aquarium, but in the wild these fish can get up to 20"
(50 cm).
Social Behaviors:
Though they are a large predatory loach and will eat tank
mates that fit in their mouth, they are a peaceful community fish. They
are not territorial and can be kept with other large non-aggressive fish
as well as others of their own species. They are a very shy nocturnal
loach, and will get active when feeding and at night.
Sexual Differences:
Unknown.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
These fish are mostly bottom dwellers.
Acceptable Water Conditions:
Hardness: from about 5 - 15° dH
Ph: 6.8 - 7.2
Temp: 72 - 82° F (22 - 28° C)
Breeding/Reproduction:
The Royal Clown Loach have not been bred in the aquarium
and they are not yet bred commercially.
Availability:
The Royal Clown Loach is only rarely available, but quite
a find if you come across one.
Comments from people who have kept this fish:
Author: Clarice Brough. CFS.
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