Dojo Loach (Pond Loach)

Dojo Loach or pond loach is a freshwater fish of the Cobitidae (loach) family. They are also known as the weather loach since they can identify the fluctuation and changes in the barometric pressure, particularly before a storm. These fish share their alternate name weather loach with species of their family as well as those of the Misgurnus genus. Their pleasant demeanor and hardy nature, make them a preferred choice as an aquarium fish.  They are raised through fish farming in East Asia owing to their culinary use.

Quick Information

Scientific Name	Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Origin	Different parts of Asia including Central China, Japan, Hainan, Siberia, and Korea
Type	Freshwater fish
Conservation Status	Least Concern (by the IUCN)
Behavioral Characteristics	Active, peaceful, hardy, mostly displaying friendliness towards humans allowing them to feed through the hand, shows aggression when kept with smaller fish species
School Size	3 – 4
Physical Traits	Slender, cylindrical, eel-like body, circular towards the frontal part, flattening at the rare end; possesses five pair barbells near its mouth, and can have a thin or heavy body stature
Colors	Orange, grey, albino, and pink, with dark brown spots seen in some, creating a marbled pattern
Size (How big do they get)	11.3 inches ( 28.58 inches); in an aquarium set up the largest dojo loach was recorded to grow up to a length of 8.46 inches (21.4 cm) in a home at Nova Scotia
Lifespan (How long do they live)	7 – 10 years
Sexual Dimorphism	Present; Males: Long, thick pectoral fins upon which they often stand while resting in the bottom of the fish tank; Females: Round pectoral fins
Probable Diseases	Ich
Approximate Price (How much is it for)	$8 – 15

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Beginners
Tank Size	30 gallons (113.5 liters) for one fish

Water Parameters

pH Level	6.0 – 8.0
Temperature	68 – 76 °F (23 – 27°C)
Hardness	5 – 12 dGH
Aquarium  Water Flow	Moderate

Tank Ambience

Lighting	Low and subdued
Substrate Type	Sand, gravel, and pebbles (to hide themselves)
Tank Mates	Compatible with: Goldfish (particularly the fancy varieties like the lionhead, black moor, and bubblehead), angelfish, bettas (though the loaches could sometimes attempt to nip their fins) and other species which live on the upper levels of the tank so that the dojo loach might not have to share their territory with them. Might be kept with invertebrates like Ghost and Amano shrimps but with caution since the latter serves as the Dojo’s meal, Incompatible with: Bottom dwellers like catfish species;
Suitable Position in the Tank	Bottom

Feeding

Diet	Live or frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and tubifex, flakes, spirulina-based pellets, vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, and shelled peas medallion that they readily accept; will also readily eat any snails moving in the aquarium as that is their favorite food
Frequency	2 – 3 times a day

Important Things to Know for Fish Keepers

• They have a unique ability to disappear the moment they are introduced into an aquarium, only to show up again. So, if you cannot spot your dojo loach, do not worry as it would be hiding under the substrates and will reappear in some time.  This fish could also hide itself to such an extent under the sand that all you may get to see is the head poking out.
• The dojo loach is known for its ability to jump. Hence a firm lid must be kept over the aquarium. If you have cats at home, keep them away from your tank, lest this species could serve as a tasty snack for the feline the moment it gets out.
• Even if they get out of the water, they would be able to survive for a considerable while. The reason being that they keep themselves moist by producing thick mucus coating, attaining a cloudy appearance.
• Some dojo loaches may like the clown loach play dead, like upside-down or to one side. If they are eating well and show no symptoms of illness then there is nothing to worry about.

FAQs