This interesting bunch for the longest time, have been amongst some of the more popular bottom feeders offered in the trade. Given such colourful and spirited common names such as Redtail black shark, Bala shark, Rainbow shark, Clown loach, horseface loach, and Yoyo loach, these fish without a doubt add colour and character to any community set-up.

Some of the most adaptable species encountered in the hobby, some species such as the Red tail black shark, and Clown loach can be comfortably kept with the most peaceful of fish such as Tetras and Rasboras, as-well as the highly territorial African cichlids. In their home waters, they live peacefully side-by-side amongst other Cyprinids, such as Barbs, Rasboras, and Danios, in both fast and slow moving waters. A lot of specimen are at home in a well aerated, river set up, with other faster moving shoaling species such as Danio and Rainbow fish, and like their relative Cyprinids, love to be kept in schools contrary to popular belief. Clown Loaches for instants get quite large and for this reason are usually sold singly but, like some of the smaller Cyprinids, prefer to be kept in schools. Khuli Loaches are another favorite species in the hobby, though these smaller members of the loach family more resemble little snakes or eels rather than the typical Loach, probably adding to their popularity. They are perfect little community residents, and love to be kept in fair-sized groups.