Can jack dempseys live with clown loaches?
Verdict
No
No. Jack dempseys and clown loaches should not share a tank. Jack dempseys are aggressive and will bully peaceful clown loaches.
What to watch
- Deal breakerJack dempseys are aggressive and will bully peaceful clown loaches.
What works
- Both are fine at 77–86°F.
- pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
- They use different parts of the tank: jack dempseys the mid, clown loaches the bottom.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Jack Dempsey | Clown loach | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–86 °F | 77–86 °F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 6–7.5 |
| Adult size | 10.0 in | 8.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gal | 75 gal |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Middle | Bottom |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Groups of 5+ |
| Diet | Carnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for jack dempseys
Better tank mates for clown loaches
Questions
Can jack dempseys live with clown loaches?
No. Jack dempseys and clown loaches should not share a tank. Jack dempseys are aggressive and will bully peaceful clown loaches.
What temperature suits both jack dempseys and clown loaches?
77–86 °F. Jack dempseys need 72–86 °F, clown loaches need 77–86 °F.
What size tank do jack dempseys and clown loaches need together?
At least 75 gal, set by the clown loach. Add space for each extra fish.








