Dojo Loach

Dojo Loach (Misgurnus Anguillicaudatus)

The Dojo Loach, also known as the Golden Weather Loach, Oriental Weatherfish, or Pond Loach, is a fascinating freshwater fish that brings a unique charm to any aquarium. They have an eel-like body and a color range from light brown to gray, often with a golden hue. The adult Dojo Loach can grow between 6 to 10 inches when fully grown.

Dojo Loaches are peaceful and social creatures known for their playful and curious nature. They are best kept in a group of at least 5 individuals. They are compatible with a variety of tank mates but do best with other peaceful species but may prey upon smaller fish. Dojo Loaches thrive when paired with medium-to-large-sized, active fish that prefer to swim in the upper levels of the tank. They are frequently recommended as companions for ornamental varieties of goldfish, such as comets and shubunkins. However, it's worth noting that Dojo Loaches can disturb slower-moving 'fancy' types of goldfish, especially during active periods like feeding times.

Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of a mix of plant-based foods and meaty foods. They enjoy a variety of foods, including sinking pellets, vegetables, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.

Dojo Loaches prefer a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding spots. They enjoy burrowing and can spend time completely buried or with only their eyes protruding. Soft sand is preferred over courser substrate to prevent injury or stress. To create a comfortable environment, include plenty of plants, smooth rocks, and driftwood for them to explore. Adding these before the substrate is best to prevent the loach's digging activities from toppling them. Lighting in the tank should be kept relatively dim, including plenty of floating plants to reduce the lighting. Additionally, include a few handfuls of leaf litter to create shaded areas for Dojo Loaches to hide amongst and enhance the tank's natural ambiance.

Since Dojo Loaches originate from slow-moving waters, they don't require high water flow rates. However, some oxygenation is beneficial. Be sure to include areas in the tank for them to escape from faster-moving water.

While Dojo Loaches can tolerate less-than-optimal conditions, they should never be introduced to a tank that hasn't completed its biological cycling process. They thrive best in mature, stable environments.

Dojo Loaches require a spacious aquarium of at least 55 gallons, with the ideal community aquarium size being 75 gallons or more. The ideal water parameters for Dojo Loaches are a pH of 6.0-8.0, hardness of 5-12 dGH, and a temperature of 50-82°F (10-28°C).

Loaches are known to jump, especially when newly introduced to a tank, so a secure tank cover is essential.