cichlids and loaches

Question
I just bought a pair of clown loaches (approximately 1 1/2 inches), and i have a pair of golden severum (5 inches) and 3 pairs of angels as well as a pair of firemouth.
When i introduced the loaches in the tank all the fish were trying to nibble at him, however, that has stopped; but the pet store gave me food for the loach, I have put that in there, but I dont see the loaches eating it, both the firemouth and the severum gobble it up b4 the loaches have a chance to. Is there any food that only bottom feeders will eat? And do you think that the loaches will survive with the small amount of left over food that sinks to the bottom? I am afraid that the loaches may die because the severum eats everything in the tank.

-Brian Chung

Answer
Hi Brian;

Clown Loaches are awesome little fish that will hold their own once they get established. They do prefer to eat at night and will hide most of the day so if you turn off the lights and then add food they will be able to get it. The other fish can't see very well in the dark but clown loaches will search for food and cruise around.

Some clowns will eat nothing but live or frozen foods when first moved to a new tank. Their favorites are tubifex worms and brine shrimp. There are some tasty frozen mixed diets available too. Check and see what your local fish store has in stock. Once they get established and well fed again they will eat other foods and not be so shy.

If your other fish still get too much of the food meant for the loaches, do what I do; Get a glass jar with an opening large enough for the shy fish but too small for the bigger fish. Rinse it well and put the food inside. Slowly fill it with tank water and set it on it's side at the bottom of the tank. If you push gravel up to the opening to give the fish a "ramp" they are more likely to find the opening. Put this food jar in at night to give the little guys a better chance to find it.

Here are some good clown loach web pages;

http://fish.mongabay.com/species/Botia_macracanthus.html
http://www.tropicalfishfinder.co.uk/article_detail.asp?id=23
http://fishinthe.net/html/fishguide/fishguide_fish.php?FC=53&nl=&nt=1

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins