Vibrant and swift, this Clown Loach shot taken by TomLA shows the popular Botia macracanthus in active swim. Probably hunting for food or a fellow Clown Loach to play with, these loaches are a common site at the corner pet store.

A schooling fish, the Clown Loach is most active with tank mates of the same species. You could combine the Clown Loach with other fish in the loach family. I've done this, and it's worked well. The Clown Loach is a little less shy when he has a buddy. Some facts to contemplate if you're interested in this fun and colorful fish:

• Minimum tank size: 30 - 50 gallons
• Survival rate is better if around 2" - 3 1/2" when acquired
• A peaceful, fun fish
• The Clown Loach loves finding nooks and crannies in the fish tank

Usually found peeking around the corner of rocks or driftwood, the Clown Loach spends much of the day on the bottom half of the aquarium. Get a strong current of water going though, and watch these guys enjoy swimming against it.

A Clown Loach can slowly grow up to as long as a foot. Bigger than most other loaches, it's something to consider if you're going to stock a few of them.

The Clown Loach would work well in a semi-aggressive fish tank containing other Loaches, Tiger Barbs, Gourami, Plecostomus, or Swordtails.