Mike19

Hi All,

Out of curiousity, how long dose it take for a loach to grow to max side (i heard its very slow) and do they need to be kept in groups ]

Thank You

sirdarksol

It seems that they tend to grow pretty quickly until they've crowded out a tank. And yes, they need to be in groups, I think at least three of them, to be happy.

R.E.

Yes, you do need to keep them in groups, best is 4-5, but most aquariums can't support so many since they can grow quite large.
The max size 8-12 inches, they grow fast to around 5 inches and then the growth slows down.

I love loaches, clown loaches especially, a good website to reference is:
http://www.loaches.com/species-index...a-macracanthus

Butterfly

Mine got to 7 & 8 inches from 1 1/2 inches in one year. They do slow down and grow slower but the tend to get chunky if given the space and lots of clean water. they have been known to get 16 inches.
They are happier in groups of three or more. If you have the room more is better They are wonderful fish and very entertaining. Here is an excellent article and gorgeous pics of Clown Loaches.
http://www.loaches.com/species-index...a-macracanthus
carol
R.E. great minds think alike