{"title":"Loach","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"botia-clown-loach-wild","title":"Botia Clown Loach Wild - Chromobotia Macracanthus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Clown Loach Chromobotia Macracanthus Botia Macracanthus is a vibrant and fascinating fish that adds a unique touch to any aquarium. With its striking colors and playful behaviour, this loach is a popular choice among fish enthusiasts. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Clown Loach, scientifically known as Chromobotia Macracanthus or Botia Macracanthus, is a freshwater fish native to the rivers of Indonesia. It is also commonly referred to as the Tiger Botia or the Clown Botia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, Clown Loaches inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with sandy or muddy bottoms. They are often found in densely vegetated areas, seeking shelter among submerged branches and roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo provide a suitable environment for your Clown Loach, it is recommended to have a spacious aquarium with a minimum capacity of 75 gallons. The tank should be well-filtered and have a sandy or fine gravel substrate. Adding driftwood, rocks, and live plants will mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding spots. Ensure that the tank has a tight-fitting lid as these fish are known to jump.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClown Loaches are omnivorous and have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on small invertebrates, insect larvae, and crustaceans in the wild. In captivity, they readily accept a variety of foods, including high-quality pellets, flakes, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and vegetable matter. It is important to provide a balanced diet to maintain their health and vibrant colors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen young, Clown Loaches are relatively small, typically measuring around 2-3 inches. However, they can grow up to 12 inches in length in the right conditions. It is important to consider their potential size when planning their tank and tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavioural Traits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClown Loaches are known for their playful and active nature. They are social fish and thrive in groups of at least five individuals. They exhibit shoaling behavior and enjoy exploring their surroundings. These loaches are also known for their ability to make clicking sounds by grinding their pharyngeal teeth together.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 75-86°F (24-30°C)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 6.0-7.5\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardness: 5-12 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFACTS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eClown Loaches are known for their vibrant colours, including orange, black, and white stripes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eThey have a unique ability to “play dead” when stressed or frightened, lying motionless on their sides.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eThese loaches have a symbiotic relationship with certain freshwater snails, which they use to clean their skin and gills.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClown Loaches are active during the day and appreciate having hiding spots to retreat to when they feel the need.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Fishcave Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57089958773061,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1033\/0977\/1077\/files\/afcc0e_43c284544fd64e2790d6d29a3d838d39_mv2_png.webp?v=1770590421"},{"product_id":"botia-clown-loach-regular","title":"Botia Clown Loach Regular - Botia Macracanthus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Clown Loach Chromobotia Macracanthus Botia Macracanthus is a vibrant and fascinating fish that adds a unique touch to any aquarium. With its striking colours and playful behaviour, this loach is a popular choice among fish enthusiasts. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHailing from the river systems of Sumatra and Borneo, the Clown Loach thrives in slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation. Their natural habitat provides inspiration for recreating the ideal environment in your aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese omnivorous gems relish a diverse diet. Satisfy their taste buds with a mix of high-quality pellets, live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, and even vegetable-based offerings. Providing a balanced diet enhances their overall health and vibrancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClown Loaches are social creatures that flourish in the company of their own kind. Consider keeping them in groups of three or more to witness their playful interactions. Compatible tank mates include peaceful community fish like tetras, rasboras, and other non-aggressive species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBehavioural\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Traits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e While generally peaceful, Clown Loaches can exhibit territorial behavior, especially during feeding time. Provide ample hiding places and ensure sufficient space to reduce the likelihood of conflicts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuited for intermediate to advanced hobbyists, Clown Loaches require a well-maintained aquarium with stable water parameters. Attention to detail and a good understanding of their needs contribute to a thriving aquatic community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain a tropical haven for your Clown Loaches with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, a temperature between 78°F to 86°F (25.5°C to 30°C), and slightly soft to moderately hard water. Regular water changes and diligent monitoring will ensure a pristine environment for these captivating loaches.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fishcave Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57089981055301,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1033\/0977\/1077\/files\/1_374fff7f-8fef-42a2-af8c-e78d2661043c.webp?v=1770590770"},{"product_id":"hillstream-loach-sewellia-lineolata","title":"Hillstream Loach - Sewellia Lineolata","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe exquisite Sewellia lineolata is a fairly recent introduction to the aquatics trade, and like other hillstream loach species, they do have specialist care requirements. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese beautiful \"suckerbelly\" loaches have evolved to live in extremely fast-flowing waters, where they use their pectoral and pelvic fins to form a \"suction cup\" in order to hang on to smooth rocks amongst rapids. \u003cspan\u003eThis high-velocity habitat must be replicated in the home aquarium by use of extra powerheads (in addition to the return flow from filters) to create a river type effect. The surface of the water should be visibly moving to ensure that there is a very high amount of oxygenation within the water at all times.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eWithout such a high level of oxygenation and water movement, \u003cem\u003eSewellia lineolata\u003c\/em\u003e will not fare well at all. These delicate fish should really only be added to aquariums that are well mature. Such tanks will have a good established growth of algae for the fish to graze upon in order to consume the micro-organisms within, and will provide a source of nourishment whilst the fish may be adapting to the taking of prepared foods. The front glass can be wiped free of algae, but it is recommended that you allow algae to freely colonise the sides and back glass, and over the decor. Lighting should be bright in order to encourage a decent amount of algal growth. Ideally, the aquarium will be at least 36\" long, and contain a multitude of hiding spots amongst rocks, cobbles and bogwood. Flat smooth rocks should be placed in the path of the flow, where these fish will often congregate just as they would do in their natural boulder-strewn habitats. Plants can be incorporated into the river style aquarium, but not all species will fare well under the extreme flow conditions. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCambodia, China \u0026amp; Vietnam. Current exports are from Vietnam.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn addition to grazing on the natural algae in the tank (for the micro-organisms it contains) these fish will readily accept most small foods offered: frozen mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, daphnia etc, plus sinking catfish pellets and granules. Some may take flake foods, but this should not be relied upon. These fish also enjoy vegetable matter such as blanched spinach, kale, cucumber, melon etc.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecialist Community\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 6.0-7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003edH: up to 15 degrees\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClean, well aerated water is essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"data-view__table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSynonyms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"italic-style\"\u003eBalitora lineolata\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDistribution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCambodia, China \u0026amp; Vietnam. Current exports are from Vietnam.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5cm (2.6\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22-26°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH: 6.0-7.5, dH: up to 15 degrees. Clean, well aerated water is essential.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpecialist community\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLighting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBright\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSexual Dimorphism\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature males with tubercles \u0026amp; visible raised areas on the front edge of the pectoral fins. Females fuller bodied.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeeding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlgae wafers, catfish pellets, granules, flake and frozen foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Fishcave Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57089988428101,"sku":null,"price":8.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1033\/0977\/1077\/files\/Image6.jpg?v=1770590829"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.fishcaveaquatics.co.uk\/collections\/loach.oembed","provider":"Fish Cave Aquatics Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}