Clown loach in 55 gallon

I ended up getting a clown loach knowing that he needed a MUCH larger tank and a school. Hes schooled with my rainbow shark since I got them at the same time. They sleep in the same cave and is the only fish the rainbow shark has ever allowed in his cave lol. But I will be getting him a bigger tank but not right now since I'm living with my parents. But I feel awful he isn't in a big school hes out and playing in the mornings then goes back to sleep thennn comes back out at night ( like 9 pm ). Do you think I should get him another buddy? Since they grow really slow? Hes never showed any signs of being stunted or anything heres a picture of him he was 6 inches ( as long as my rainbow shark lol ) in this picture hes under 2 years old.

 

I say yes. I’ve got 2 that size in a 90 and there about 6yrs old.

 

Awh they're so cute! thank you!

 

I wonder why did you get a Clown Loach despite knowing they are a social fish and belong in groups? Did you only find out later?

If the arrangement with the Rainbow Shark seems to be working out I'd leave it alone for now and only disturb the arrangement when you get the right size tank.

If the fish is 6 inches in total length that is far from the maximum size of 12 inches for a female and 8 inches for a male.

You would have no way of knowing if the fish is stunted until it stops growing prematurely. But I believe they are capable of growth again once moved to a large tank as long as they are under 24 years of age. Mine are 26 years old and have only recently stopped growing.

So your situation is not textbook (ideal), but being pragmatic (dealing with the situation that you've got into) its not too bad really if you are looking after water quality, aeration, temperature (80F) and correct feeding.

 

I love clown loaches. I have 3 and they are funny to watch. One like to bury his face in this crevice that the driftwood has. The other 2 are like bickering grandmas. Always scouting the tank.

 

I wonder why did you get a Clown Loach despite knowing they are a social fish and belong in groups? Did you only find out later?

If the arrangement with the Rainbow Shark seems to be working out I'd leave it alone for now and only disturb the arrangement when you get the right size tank.

If the fish is 6 inches in total length that is far from the maximum size of 12 inches for a female and 8 inches for a male.

You would have no way of knowing if the fish is stunted until it stops growing prematurely. But I believe they are capable of growth again once moved to a large tank as long as they are under 24 years of age. Mine are 26 years old and have only recently stopped growing.

So your situation is not textbook (ideal), but being pragmatic (dealing with the situation that you've got into) its not too bad really if you are looking after water quality, aeration, temperature (80F) and correct feeding.

No I definitely didnt know about that! The lady there told me they would both be just fine in a 55 gallon and never told me that he would need a much larger tank and tankmates. I have had this happen with three of the fish I already had but it would break my heart to get rid of him not knowing if he would be taken care of. I just asked because I want to make sure hes happy. And I know there's no way to know if hes stunted unless he stops growing and he hasnt that's why I said that

 

Mine loves to scare me to death by getting inside of decor. One time he actually got stuck and I had to help him out! So now we don't use that decor anymore lol. He always finds a way to dig under the gravel and get under them drives me crazy. Especially since I made him a big cave that's bigger than a milk jug surrounded by plants and gravel lol.

 

Good luck Grace4514 !

 

Good luck Grace4514 !

Thank you