20 Clown Loach Tank Mates
Clown Loaches are amazing and vibrant fish, perfect for community aquariums. Finding the right tank mates can enhance their environment. Here are 20 compatible species to consider for your Clown Loach tank.
Zebra Danio
Zebra Danio, also known as Zebrafish, are small, hardy, and active fish with a striking striped pattern. They make excellent tank mates for Clown Loaches due to their common tropical freshwater habitat requirements and peaceful nature. Be aware that these fish are fast swimmers, creating an interesting dynamic alongside your Clown Loaches.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
- Adult Size: 2 inches (5cm)
Bristlenose Pleco
Bristlenose Plecos are unique and popular bottom-dwelling fish, known for their bristle-like protrusions on their heads. They are peaceful and hardy, making them ideal tank mates for Clown Loaches. These fish work great in community tanks and help keep the tank clean by grazing on algae.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys a diet of sinking pellets, vegetables, and algae wafers
- Adult Size: 4-6 inches (10-15cm)
Guppies
Guppies are colorful, active, and hardy fish that are perfect for community tanks, making them good companions for Clown Loaches. Their peaceful temperament and ability to adapt to various environments make them easy to care for. However, monitor their population as they breed prolifically.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 5 gallons (19 liters) for a small group
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; accepts a wide variety of food such as flakes, pellets, and live or frozen food
- Adult Size: 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm)
Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin Rasboras are vibrant, orange-red fish with a distinct black triangle shape on their sides. They are peaceful schooling fish, which makes them great tank mates for Clown Loaches. Their gentle nature, low maintenance, and compatibility with other species ensure a harmonious tank environment.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys a diet of flake food, small pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp
- Adult Size: 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm)
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish are small, friendly, and energetic bottom dwellers who make excellent tank mates for Clown Loaches due to their similar behaviors and temperaments. They are known for their whisker-like barbels and prefer to be in a group. Keep at least six together to maintain their social nature.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; primarily bottom feeders, they enjoy sinking pellets, flake food, and live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) depending on the species
Dwarf Gourami
Dwarf Gouramis are beautiful, slow-moving fish with a peaceful temperament, making them suitable companions for Clown Loaches. They come in various colors, such as neon and powder blue, which can add visual interest to your aquarium. Avoid keeping them with aggressive fish that may bully them.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys flake or pellet food, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 3 inches (7.6 cm)
Angelfish
Angelfish are elegant, graceful freshwater fish known for their thin, angled bodies and long, flowing fins. They possess a calm nature, making them good tank companions for Clown Loaches. However, they could become territorial as they mature, so add enough plants and hiding spots for a peaceful coexistence.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys a mix of flake, pellet, live, or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm) in captivity
Neon Tetra
Neon Tetras are small, brightly colored schooling fish that add a magnificent visual appeal to any aquarium. With their peaceful temperament, they can coexist with Clown Loaches without issues. Their low-maintenance nature and adaptability make them a popular choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; prefers flake food and small live or frozen foods, such as Daphnia and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm)
Black Skirt Tetra
Black Skirt Tetras are attractive schooling fish with stunning black and silver coloration. Their peaceful demeanor and active swimming make them a fitting addition to a Clown Loach community. They require minimal care, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: 15 gallons (57 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys a balanced diet of flake food, pellets, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: 2-2.5 inches (5-6.3 cm)
Molly Fish
Molly Fish are lively, colorful fish that can successfully coexist with Clown Loaches due to their peaceful nature. They are available in various colors and patterns, bringing a vibrant touch to your aquarium. Keep in mind that they reproduce quickly and might need population control.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys flake food, small pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp
- Adult Size: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) depending on the species
Bolivian Ram
Bolivian Rams are personable, peaceful freshwater fish with attractive colors making them desirable tank mates for Clown Loaches. These social cichlids usually stay within a specific territory within the tank and enjoy having plenty of hiding spots like caves or plants.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: 25 gallons (95 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; prefers high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented by live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 3 inches (7.6 cm)
Rummy Nose Tetra
Rummy Nose Tetras are beautiful schooling fish, recognized by their red noses and distinctive tail patterns. With their peaceful temperament, they make excellent tank mates for Clown Loaches. They appreciate a well-planted tank, providing them space for hiding and exploring.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; mainly micro-predators, accepting flake food, small pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp
- Adult Size: 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm)
Discus Fish
Discus Fish are stunning, vibrant, and unique fish that can be compatible with Clown Loaches if their specific care requirements are met. They can be sensitive to water parameters and prefer lower temperatures, so maintaining a stable and well-maintained environment is crucial.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 liters) minimum
- Care Level: Difficult
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivore; prefers high-quality flake or pellet food, live or frozen foods like beef heart and bloodworms
- Adult Size: 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in captivity
Kuhli Loach
Kuhli Loaches are fascinating, eel-like bottom-dwelling fish that are compatible with Clown Loaches due to their peaceful and nocturnal nature. They enjoy hiding in plants, rocks, and other structures in the tank, making them interesting to watch as they explore and establish their territories.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; prefers sinking pellets, flake food, and occasional live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm)
Platies
Platies are small, hardy livebearers available in various colors and patterns, making them visually appealing tank mates for Clown Loaches. They are peaceful fish suitable for community tanks, but be aware of their prolific breeding, which could lead to a population explosion if not monitored.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys flake food, small pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp
- Adult Size: 1.5-2.5 inches (3.8-6.3 cm)
Rosy Barb
Rosy Barbs are active, colorful fish displaying brilliant shades of orange and pink. They are suitable tank mates for Clown Loaches due to their peaceful demeanor and adaptability. However, these schooling fish are known to nip at long fins, so be cautious with slow-moving, long-finned tank mates.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; appreciates a varied diet of flake food, pellets, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms and daphnia
- Adult Size: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Swordtails
Swordtails are named for their unique, elongated tail fin resembling a sword. These attractive, hardy fish can make compatible tank mates for Clown Loaches due to their peaceful nature. They are available in various colors and are easy to care for, making them suitable for various aquariums.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 15 gallons (57 liters)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys a diet of flake food, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: 4-5 inches (10-12.7 cm)
Yoyo Loach
Yoyo Loaches, named after their unique markings resembling the letters “y” and “o,” make fantastic tank mates for Clown Loaches. They share similar habits, such as being bottom dwellers and enjoying a hiding place. These fish are social and active, creating an engaging and dynamic tank environment.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; enjoys sinking pellets, flake food, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: 5-6 inches (12.7-15 cm)
Blue Acara
Blue Acaras are stunning cichlids with a shimmering blue and green metallic hue, adding a splash of color to any tank. They can make suitable tank mates for Clown Loaches due to their relatively peaceful nature among cichlids. However, they do require more care and attention compared to other tank mates mentioned.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; thrives on a mix of high-quality pellet or flake food, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: 6-7 inches (15-18 cm)
Siamese Algae Eater
Siamese Algae Eaters are efficient, bottom-feeding fish that help keep your aquarium algae-free. They can serve as an excellent addition to a Clown Loach habitat since both share a peaceful temperament and thrive in similar environments. These fish benefit the overall health of your tank.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivore; primarily feeds on algae and biofilm, but also enjoys sinking pellets, flake food, and fresh vegetables like cucumber
- Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
Conclusion
These 20 fish species can make excellent tank mates for Clown Loaches, creating a vibrant, engaging, and peaceful community aquarium. Monitor their behaviors and adjust as needed. Let us know in the comments which tank mates you’ve had success with!