Compatibility Overview
Clown Loach and Severum Cichlid 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 | Severum Cichlid | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 77–86°F | 75–82°F | ✅ 77–82°F |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 | ✅ 6.0–7.5 |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi | ⚠️ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 12 in | 2.4 in | ❌ 5× difference |
| Min. Group | 5+ | 1+ | 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.
Severum Cichlid — Aquarium species
The Severum Cichlid, known for its vibrant colors and peaceful nature, is a popular choice for freshwater aquariums. They have a lifespan of around 5 years and require a minimum tank size of 80 liters. These fish are not schooling fish but are known to be gentle and compatible with a variety of tank mates. Their tall, laterally compressed body shape makes th
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Clown Loach live with Severum Cichlid?
Generally not recommended. Clown Loach and Severum Cichlid 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 Severum Cichlid together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Clown Loach and Severum Cichlid together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Clown Loach and Severum Cichlid?
77–82°F
Is a Clown Loach aggressive toward a Severum Cichlid?
Clown Loach is peaceful and Severum Cichlid is semi. 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 | 71/100 |
| Ph | 100/100 |
| Temperament | 75/100 |
| Adult Size | 8/100 |
| Swim Zone | 92/100 |
| Social Needs | 92/100 |
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. |