Chromobotia macracanthus, commonly known as the Clown loach, is a popular freshwater fish that is native to Indonesia. They are known for their bright, colorful markings and playful behavior. Here is some care information about them:

1. Tank size: Clown loaches are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 5 to 6 individuals. They grow quite large, up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length, so a tank size of at least 75 gallons (284 liters) is recommended.

2. Water parameters: They prefer a pH range between 6.5 to 7.5, and a temperature range between 75°F to 86°F (24°C to 30°C). It is important to keep the water clean, with regular water changes of 25% to 50% every two weeks.

3. Diet: Clown loaches are omnivores and will eat both meaty and plant-based foods. They can be fed a variety of commercial foods such as pellets, flakes, frozen or live food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber.

4. Tank setup: Clown loaches require plenty of hiding places, such as rocks, driftwood, and plants, as they like to hide during the day. They also need plenty of open swimming space.

5. Tank mates: Clown loaches are peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful community fish such as tetras, gouramis, and corydoras. Avoid keeping them with aggressive fish or fish that are small enough to be seen as food.

6. Behavior: Clown loaches are active fish that enjoy swimming, playing, and digging. They are known for their playful behavior and can often be seen chasing each other or playing with tank mates.

7. Disease: Clown loaches are generally hardy fish, but they can be susceptible to diseases such as Ich and skin flukes. It is important to quarantine any new fish before adding them to an established tank to prevent the spread of disease.

Overall, keeping Clown loaches can be a rewarding experience for aquarists who have the space and dedication to meet their needs. They are a beautiful and entertaining fish that can live for over a decade with proper care.

• Scientific name: Chromobotia macracanthus
• Common name: Clown Loach
• Max. size: 30.5 cm / 12 inches
• pH range: 5.0 – 7.0
• dH range: 1 - 12
• Temp range: 24 – 30°C / 76 - 86°F