Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) – Live Freshwater Fish

Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) – Live Freshwater Fish

The Dojo Loach, also called the Weather Loach, is a large, peaceful freshwater loach known for its eel-like body, playful personality, and interactive behavior. Famous for reacting to changes in barometric pressure, Dojo Loaches often become more active before storms—earning them their nickname.

These loaches are hardy and social, making them a great choice for larger community aquariums. They enjoy burrowing, exploring, and interacting with their environment, and they do best when kept with plenty of floor space and hiding areas.

Key Characteristics

✔ Peaceful & social temperament
✔ Hardy and beginner-friendly (with space)
✔ Fun, interactive behavior
✔ Bottom-dwelling scavenger
✔ Long-lived freshwater species

Care Requirements

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: 8–12 inches
• Tank Size: 55 gallons or larger recommended
• Temperature: 60–75°F (prefers cooler water)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Diet: Omnivore (sinking pellets, wafers, frozen foods, vegetables)

⚠️ Cooler water species — not suitable for tropical-only tanks kept above 78°F.

Tank Compatibility

Good Tankmates:

• Goldfish (in appropriate setups)
• Larger peaceful community fish
• Rainbowfish (cooler water species)
• Other Dojo Loaches

Avoid:

• Aggressive cichlids
• Very small fish (may be accidental snacks)
• Warm-water-only species

Ideal For

• Large freshwater aquariums
• Cool-water community tanks
• Aquarists wanting an interactive fish
• Bottom-dweller enthusiasts

Product Details

• Common Name: Dojo Loach / Weather Loach
• Scientific Name: Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
• Origin: East Asia
• Aquarium Type: Freshwater
• Diet: Omnivore
• Temperament: Peaceful

FAQs – Dojo Loach

Q: Why is it called a Weather Loach?
A: Dojo Loaches become more active when barometric pressure changes, often before storms.

Q: Can Dojo Loaches be kept in tropical tanks?
A: They prefer cooler water and do best below 75°F.

Q: Are Dojo Loaches social?
A: Yes. They do best in groups or with other peaceful fish.

Q: Do they burrow?
A: Yes. Provide sand or smooth substrate to prevent injury.

Q: How long do Dojo Loaches live?
A: With proper care, they can live 8–10+ years.