Dojo Loach care guide
Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) — minimum tank 120 L, temperature 10-24 °C, pH 6-8.
Overview
The Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), also called the Weather Loach or Pond Loach, is an eel-shaped cobitid native to East Asia. The species can survive in low-oxygen water by gulping atmospheric air at the surface and is sensitive to changes in barometric pressure.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cobitidae
- Genus: Misgurnus
- Scientific name: Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
- Common synonyms: Weather Loach, Pond Loach
Habitat
Widely distributed across slow-flowing rivers, ponds, paddy fields and irrigation channels of China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, often in muddy substrates with abundant vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 120 L (31.7 US gal)
- Adult size: 15-25 cm
- Temperature: 10-24 °C (50-75 °F)
- pH: 6-8
- GH: 5-20 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
- School size: ≥3 individuals
Diet
An omnivore that forages on the substrate. Offer sinking pellets, granules and live or frozen foods (bloodworms, earthworms, brine shrimp). The species will also accept blanched vegetables.
Compatibility
A peaceful social bottom-dweller that should be kept in groups of three or more. Compatible with peaceful temperate to subtropical companions; the species tolerates a wide temperature range. Ensure a tight-fitting lid as it may jump.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer that spawns at warmer temperatures after a cool winter rest period. Eggs are scattered among vegetation.