|
| View Thread | Return to Index | Read Prev Msg | Read Next Msg |
The Loach Forum Archives (1)
Re: Problems with clown loaches
Posted By: Thomas B waltzek <waltzek@neuro.fsu.edu> In Response To: Re: Problems with clown loaches (Alistair)
Date: Wednesday, 5 August 1998, at 11:48 p.m.
Dear loach fans (especiially Tina and Alistar),
I read the following question and response column regarding problems with clown loaches. I must say I was a little disturbed by it all. In regards, to Tina's comments I was also a little disturbed by Alistars's thought of ditching them (cause I would at all costs do everything to save my fish). However, I interpreted "ditching" as selling them back to the fish store or giving them to a friend with the necessary room= acceptable and responsible action. Tina, although I initially felt as you did, we all are not experienced aquarists (either because we a new to the hobby or because we chose to make the same mistakes without learning from them). Honestly, I was offended by the way you criticised a novice aquarist such as Alistar. But Hey its a free country and I'm simply voicing my opinion (as you did) not playing websensor. Alistar, in my limited experience this site is very friendly and informative for all levels of aquarists. Please don't be deterred as a result of 1 bad experience. In regards to your question(which is a good one as far as I'm concerned), I think increasing the number of individuals could help. The general idea in the trade is that there are gregarious Botia sp. and non-gregarious Botia sp. Clown loaches are generally considered to be social fish. However, you hit home when you made the point that the exact nature of this sociality is unknown. This is because much of aquariology is not science (unfortunate but true). So, the exact nature of these lovely fishes (including well documented breeding behaviours, migratory patterns, age to first reproduction, sexual dimorphism, etc...) is not well understood. Finally, let me end this verbose message by giving you some advice regarding these wonderful fishes, keep them in schools 6+ sounds reasonable, feed them a varied omnivore diet, provide them ample cover and dim lighting at least in certain areas of your tank, partial water changes weekly or biweekly (no magic # but 20-40% have worked well for me and others), provide the largest tank you can afford (remembering these fishes obtain large sizes in the aquaria 6"+ and in nature 12"+, and last but not least don't ditch them (but take care of them)- these are some of the most beautiful and interesting fishes in the watery realm- Tom
| View Thread | |
