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Royal Clown LoachQueen Loach, Elongate LoachFamily: Cobitidae Leptobotia elongataPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken ChildsLatest Reader Comment - See More Where can I buy some of the great loaches Ross Freeman 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!Royal Clown Loach Contents 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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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.
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.
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