Compatibility Overview
Clown Loach and Congo Tetra are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
| Factor | Clown Loach | Congo Tetra | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 77–86°F | 72–79°F | ⚠️ 77–79°F (narrow) |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–7.0 | ✅ 6.0–7.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 12 in | 1.6 in | ❌ 8× difference |
| Min. Group | 5+ | 6+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Clown Loach — Chromobotia macracanthus
Striking striped loach that grows very large. Peaceful with fish but will eat shrimp, snails and tiny fish.
Congo Tetra — Aquarium species
The Congo Tetra is a vibrant and active fish that thrives in a well-maintained freshwater aquarium. With its striking coloration and peaceful nature, it's a great addition to any community tank. This species is best kept in groups and requires a spacious tank with plenty of swimming space. They are known for their playful nature and can be seen darting aroun
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Clown Loach live with Congo Tetra?
Generally not recommended. Clown Loach and Congo Tetra are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
What tank size do I need for Clown Loach and Congo Tetra together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Clown Loach and Congo Tetra together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Clown Loach and Congo Tetra?
77–79°F (narrow)
Is a Clown Loach aggressive toward a Congo Tetra?
Clown Loach is peaceful and Congo Tetra is aggressive. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Compatibility score breakdown
The overall score is weighted across water chemistry, behavior, adult size, swimming zone, and social needs. A score is a planning aid—not a guarantee for individual fish.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 29/100 |
| Ph | 100/100 |
| Temperament | 30/100 |
| Adult Size | 8/100 |
| Swim Zone | 92/100 |
| Social Needs | 85/100 |
Tank size scenarios
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 100 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 150 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 220 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |