The Dojo Loach, also known as the Weather Loach, is a peaceful and hardy freshwater fish that makes an excellent addition to many home aquariums. With its eel-like body, friendly personality, and quirky behavior—like predicting weather changes—this loach is both entertaining and relatively easy to care for.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, this care guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your Dojo Loach happy and healthy.
📋 Quick Facts
- Common Name: Dojo Loach, Weather Loach
- Scientific Name: Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
- Size: 6–12 inches (15–30 cm)
- Lifespan: 7–10 years (sometimes longer with optimal care)
- Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for a group
- Temperament: Peaceful, social
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
🐠 Appearance
Dojo Loaches have long, slender, eel-like bodies with smooth scales and barbels (whisker-like appendages) around their mouths. Color variants include:
- Golden Dojo Loach – pale yellow or orange
- Standard (wild-type) – brownish-gray with darker mottling
Their unique swimming style and behavior make them stand out in any tank.
🏡 Tank Requirements
🧱 Tank Size
Dojo Loaches are active swimmers and grow larger than many expect. A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended, especially if keeping a group (which they prefer).
🌡️ Water Conditions
- Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
- pH: 6.0–8.0
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
- Substrate: Soft sand or smooth gravel (they like to burrow)
Despite being cold-water tolerant, avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
💨 Filtration and Aeration
They appreciate well-oxygenated water and moderate current. Use a reliable filter and ensure good surface agitation.
🍽️ Diet and Feeding
Dojo Loaches are omnivores and enthusiastic scavengers. Offer a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition:
- Sinking pellets or wafers
- Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)
- Blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber)
- Occasional algae wafers
Feed once or twice daily. Watch out—they may try to eat food meant for other tank mates!
🤝 Tank Mates
Dojo Loaches are peaceful and social, best kept in groups of 3 or more. Compatible tank mates include:
- Goldfish (with caution—both prefer cooler temps)
- Corydoras catfish
- Tetras (non-nippy varieties)
- Barbs (peaceful types)
- Snails and non-aggressive shrimp (though smaller ones may be hunted)
Avoid aggressive, territorial, or fin-nipping species.
🧠 Behavior and Personality
These loaches are curious, intelligent, and sometimes quirky:
- Known to become active before storms—hence the name “weather loach”
- Can squeeze into tight spaces and occasionally jump out of tanks (keep the lid secure!)
- Enjoy digging and exploring substrate
They may even learn to recognize their owner and accept food from your hand.
💊 Common Health Issues
Generally hardy, but watch for:
- Ich (white spot disease)
- Fin rot
- Skin lesions due to rough substrate or poor water quality
Ensure consistent water parameters, a clean environment, and proper diet.
♻️ Breeding in Captivity
Breeding Dojo Loaches in home aquariums is very rare and challenging. They require specific conditions that mimic seasonal changes, often including temperature cycling and hormonal triggers.
Most Dojo Loaches available in pet stores are wild-caught or bred in commercial farms.
❗ Important Notes
- Jumping risk: Always use a tight-fitting lid!
- Weather sensitivity: Their behavior may change with barometric pressure shifts.
- Burrowing: Expect occasional substrate disturbance—plan decor accordingly.
✅ Summary: Is a Dojo Loach Right for You?
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Beginner-Friendly | ✅✅✅✅ |
| Social Needs | ✅✅✅✅✅ |
| Tank Size Required | ✅✅✅✅ |
| Care Difficulty | ✅✅ |
| Behavior Bonus | ✅✅✅✅✅ |
If you’re looking for a peaceful, interactive, and low-maintenance fish with a bit of flair, the Dojo Loach could be a perfect fit—just be sure to provide the space and environment they need.
