Loaches Online Forum

Hello,
I was wondering if I could put a yo yo loach in with my clown loaches. I know they like to be in groups but would my loaches accept it into their social hirearcy and vise versa? Or would I have to get it some buddies? Also, my loaches are between the sizes of 2 3/4"and 3 1/2", could I put 1"- 2" yo yo in with them or would the clowns bother it or hog all the food?
Thanks so much in advance!
Red_Arokh

Yoyos and clowns are both social fish, but they do not interact in the way you're hoping for. That is, a yoyo will not become part of the clown pack, and keeping a single yoyo is not advised. You'll have better luck with small groups of mixed Botia loaches - say three or more of each.

I keep clowns, darios, kubotais, striatas, and histrionicas together in one big tank, but all in small groups. They form cliques, and although they are all compatible, they tend to keep to their own. I think this shows that they prefer their own kind for company.

The hierarchy among clowns is a complicated social arrangement that has to be worked out over time.

Mark,
Thanks for the eye opener! I'll look to you in the future if I have anymore questions about loaches. Thanks so much!
Red_Arokh