Dojo Loach
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Minimum Tank
55 Gallons
Adult Size
10 inches
Temperature
50-77°F (10-25°C)
pH Range
6.5-8.0
Lifespan
10 years
School Size
3+ fish
About Dojo Loach
The dojo loach, also known as the weather loach, is a long, eel-like fish from the cool streams and rice paddies of East Asia, including Japan, China, Korea, and northern Vietnam. It gets the weather loach name from its reputation for becoming restlessly active before storms, supposedly sensing barometric pressure changes through its swim bladder. Dojo loaches can reach 10 inches and have a friendly, docile personality that makes them one of the most personable freshwater fish available. They are often described as the dogs of the aquarium world, happily accepting food from their keeper's fingers and resting in the palm of a hand. Their tolerance for cool water makes them suitable for unheated aquariums and even outdoor ponds in temperate climates.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 55-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 50-77°F (10-25°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 8.0
- • Category: Loach
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Dojo loaches are cold-water fish that prefer temperatures of 50-72°F, making them unsuitable for heated tropical tanks but perfect for cool-water setups and outdoor ponds. Keep them in a tank of at least 30 gallons with sand substrate, as they love to burrow and will sift sand through their gills. Provide hiding spots with PVC tubes, caves, and plants. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential, as they are expert escape artists that can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Feed sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworms, and earthworm pieces. They are peaceful and social, best kept in groups. Their personable nature makes them entertaining pets that readily interact with their keepers.
Quick Facts
208L
Min Tank (55gal)
25cm
Adult Size (10")
10yr
Lifespan
3+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Dojo Loach
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Tank Mates for Dojo Loach
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
easy · 10+ gal
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
easy · 15+ gal
Longfin Zebra Danio
Danio rerio var.
easy · 10+ gal
Checker Barb
Oliotius oligolepis
easy · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Dojo Loach need?
A Dojo Loach needs a minimum tank size of 55 gallons (208 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 3.
What water parameters does a Dojo Loach need?
Dojo Loach thrive in water between 50-77°F (10-25°C) with a pH of 6.5-8.0.
Are Dojo Loach easy to care for?
Dojo Loach are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 10 years.
How big do Dojo Loach get and what do they eat?
Dojo Loach reach about 10 inches and are omnivores. Dojo loaches are cold-water fish that prefer temperatures of 50-72°F, making them unsuitable for heated tropical tanks but perfect for cool-water setups and outdoor ponds. Keep them in a tank of at least 30 gallons with sand substrate, as they love to burrow and will sift sand through their gills. Provide hiding spots with PVC tubes, caves, and plants. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential, as they are expert escape artists that can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Feed sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworms, and earthworm pieces. They are peaceful and social, best kept in groups. Their personable nature makes them entertaining pets that readily interact with their keepers.