need advice please: Clown Loach hiding spots

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888fish

888fish

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Jun 19, 2008
954
373
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CA
I recently bought a 9" wild clown loach last tuesday. He lives in with an aquarium grown 7" cl and 15 other Cl (2.5"-6") They live in a 120G with :

8" Tigrinus catfish
9" Ansorgii Bichir (shy!!!)
5" Delhezi Bichir (active!!!)
3" EBJD (cichlid)
2.5" Frontosa

Feed market prawns twice a week, massivore daily. The tank is bare with only large pieces of driftwood on one end.

The newest 9" loach is very shy, and so robust that he shifts the large pieces of driftwood around when scrambling. He still hasn't eaten, and the other large loach is shy as well but eats when the lights are out! The other loaches swim in open space frequently and are good eaters as is the tigrinus.

Should I remove all the hiding spots, forcing them to explore open spaces and reduce the shyness or leave the setup as is and give it more time. I know there is debate about whether hiding spots promote shyness or is actually required. Thanks.

JJ
 
Don't be selfish and try to think from the fish point of view. Try to guess which kind of surroundings would a nature caught fish prefer:
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The 2nd one is hard to imitate at home but it's better for the fish. So, keep the driftwood and add some more and some plants, substrate etc if just possible.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions but even after years of aquarium fish keeping I still can't understand the idea of keeping fish just in the "glass box". Sure it is probably easier to maintain but why keep fish in the first place if one is not trying one's best? Pets are not just for fun, they come with some responsibilities as well.
 
How many clowns do you have? I'm guessing he seems alienated as it is possible his size makes him a stranger to the others. Clowns can be like that and feel socially acceptable when they have other companions almost similar in size.
 
New one is 9"
7" x1
6" x1
5" x 5
4.5" x 1
4" x 2
2.5" -3" x 7

I'm not being selfish, as I'm seeking to provide the proper environment that will prevent the skittish, shy behavior of the large loach. Other members who also bought these large loaches currently have them in bare tanks and the loaches are eating.! I thought I'd ask the experts on this forum. Thanks
 
Give him more time. You did mention your loach is new. He may still be adjusting.
 
888fish;3052064; said:
I'm not being selfish, as I'm seeking to provide the proper environment that will prevent the skittish, shy behavior of the large loach.
Click to expand...

To me it sounds like it. If your new fish is shy, why do you even think of taking the last hiding spot away? Give some time for it to adjust.
 
In my experience clown loaches are much more bold when they have multiple retreats. My tank is filled with driftwood. I never have any problem seeing my fish.
 
I decided to leave all the driftwood in. The largest loach is started to move around a little more, but still hiding. But still, some positive progress. Thanks everyone. I'll post some photos when they are all round and fat!

JJ
 
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