question about fish

Question
hi my name is nicole.i recently got some clown loaches i have 2 of them they both look really healthy they swim alright and never stop eating or chasing each other but i noticed 2 days ago that the smaller one has a black dot on it's side and i want to know if it sounds like a parasite. none of my other fish have anything on them and i have 2 lemon yellow and 1 electric blue cichlids. i would appreciate any kind of advise as to what this might be and if it can kill my fish at all .thankyou nicole

Answer
Hi Nicole,
Clown Loaches need big tanks of at least 75 gallons.  They do not belong with African Cichlids because they do not live in the same PH.  Clown loaches are not aggressive fish, and should be kept in 6.5-7.0 PH.  African Cichlids live in 7.6-8.2PH.  You cannot acclimate or force fish to live together who do not belong together.  Fish that live in acidic, or neutral water must be kept in this kind of water, as well as the fish who live in alkaline water.  The clown loaches may get sick, or stressed.  Stressed fish get sick.  African Cichlids are aggressive fish, and should be kept only with African Cichlids.  Some are more aggressive than others.  When keeping African Cichlids you must have many hiding places for them.  Rocks, caves, and overturned pots.  You must change their decor when they get too comfortable with their territories.   You will notice this when they get too aggressive with each other.  Electric blues also need big tanks.  I would not worry about the black dot, it may be a sign that the little loach is afraid.  You should take the clown loaches back to the pet store, and ask for an exchange.  Most pet stores will give you a credit.  
I hope this helps.
Lynda