The Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), also known as the Weather Loach, is a peaceful, elongated freshwater fish that is highly active and known for its sensitivity to changes in barometric pressure. It is a bottom-dwelling fish that thrives in community aquariums with soft substrate.
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The Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), also known as the Weather Loach, is a peaceful, elongated freshwater fish that is highly active and known for its sensitivity to changes in barometric pressure. It is a bottom-dwelling fish that thrives in community aquariums with soft substrate.
Elongated, eel-like body with light brown or yellowish coloration and darker longitudinal stripes. Small eyes and barbels around the mouth for detecting food. Adults can reach 8–12 inches. Smooth fins adapted for burrowing.
8–12 years with proper care
Omnivorous; feeds on live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Also accepts sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional blanched vegetables like cucumber and zucchini.
Dojo Loaches are excellent for peaceful community aquariums. Their elongated body, burrowing behavior, and activity provide interest and function. Keeping them in groups encourages natural social behavior and reduces stress.
Moderate – requires soft substrate, social groups, hiding spots, and stable water parameters.
55+ gallons (for a group of 3–5)
6.5 to 7.5
2–12 dGH
68–75°F (20–24°C)
8–12 inches
Peaceful species such as tetras, rasboras, guppies, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid aggressive or very large fish.
Aggressive or very large fish that may bully or eat them. Avoid delicate, slow-moving species that may be stressed.
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Cobitidae
East Asia – Japan, China, Korea; inhabits slow-moving rivers, ponds, and rice paddies with soft substrates.
Moderately social; best kept in small groups. Peaceful with other community fish.
Feed 1–2 times daily. Offer live or frozen foods like bloodworms, blackworms, and brine shrimp. Supplement with sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional blanched vegetables. Ensure food reaches the bottom where they forage.
Breeding in captivity is possible under optimal conditions with cooler water temperatures to stimulate spawning. They scatter eggs among plants or substrate, with no parental care.
pH: 6.5–7.5, Temperature: 68–75°F (20–24°C), Hardness: 2–12 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm
Sensitive to poor water quality; prone to ich and bacterial infections if stressed. Provide stable water parameters and soft substrate to prevent injuries.
Peaceful, social, and highly active, especially at night. Known for burrowing in soft substrate and for sometimes responding to changes in barometric pressure by increased activity or jumping. Best kept in groups of 3–5 or more.
Native to East Asia, particularly Japan, China, and Korea, the Dojo Loach inhabits slow-moving rivers, rice paddies, and ponds. Adults can reach 8–12 inches, requiring larger aquariums with soft sandy substrate for burrowing. Providing hiding spaces with driftwood, rocks, and plants helps reduce stress. A varied diet ensures health, vibrant coloration, and natural behavior. They are excellent bottom-dwellers for keeping substrates clean and adding activity to community tanks.