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Dojo Loach

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Complete Dojo Loach care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 40 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Dojo Loach

Quick Answer

Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), also known as Weather Loach, is an active, eel-like fish from East Asia. It requires a minimum 40 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 18-24°C. This omnivore occupies the bottom zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), also known as Weather Loach, is an active, eel-like fish from East Asia. It becomes hyperactive when barometric pressure drops before a storm.

Setup

A 40-gallon or larger tank with a tight lid (they escape!). Fine sand substrate, caves, and driftwood. Cooler temperatures (no heater needed in many homes).

Feeding

Omnivorous; eats sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and blanched vegetables.

Compatibility

Peaceful. Keep in groups of 3+. Good with other coldwater fish: goldfish (fancy), white cloud minnows, danios. Avoid tropical fish that need warm water.

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Tank Position
Bottom
Water Temp
18-24°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Red Eyed Tetra Care Guide: Schooling & Tank Size semanticSimilarity Apistogramma Care Guide: Temperament & Diet semanticSimilarity Banded Corydoras Care Guide: Substrate & Diet semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Dojo Loaches should be kept together?
Maintain a group of 3 to 5 individuals in a tank of at least 40 gallons (150 liters) with a footprint of 36x15 inches (90x38 cm). Dojo loaches (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) are highly social, interactive coldwater fish that actively play together and burrow into smooth substrates. Groups under 3 cause lethargy and stress. Provide fine sand substrate (depth 2-3 inches/5-7.5 cm) for burrowing. Tank length must exceed 30 inches (75 cm). Use a tight-fitting lid with no gaps; they are expert jumpers. Avoid sharp decorations and gravel that damage their skin.
What are the exact water parameters for Dojo Loaches?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 5 - 15 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 4 - 10 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 120 - 350 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 250 - 700 μS/cm, and temperature 60°F - 72°F (15°C - 22°C). They require unheated cool water; temperatures above 75°F (24°C) cause stress, reduced oxygen, and shortened lifespan (from 10 to 3 years). Maintain nitrates below 15 ppm with weekly 25% water changes. Use a canister filter with moderate flow. Provide high oxygenation with air stones. Avoid heaters unless room drops below 55°F (13°C).
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Dojo Loaches?
They are enthusiastic omnivores requiring 40% protein, 10% fat, 50% plant matter. Feed sinking loach pellets, shrimp wafers, earthworms, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and blanched vegetables (peas, zucchini) daily. They accept flakes and freeze-dried foods. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.15 mg/L) but sensitive to formalin. Scaleless; use malachite green at quarter dose (0.025 mg/L). Praziquantel is safe. Avoid salt (tolerance <3 ppt). Quarantine with metronidazole at half-strength. They are resistant to most diseases but prone to ich in warm water.
How to breed Dojo Loaches in captivity?
Breeding requires seasonal triggers. Condition a group of 5 with live blackworms and bloodworms for 4 weeks in cool water (65°F/18°C). Simulate spring: Raise temperature to 72°F (22°C) over 1 week, increase photoperiod to 14 hours, perform 40% water changes with slightly warmer (70°F/21°C) water. Provide spawning mops or fine-leaf plants. Spawning occurs at dawn; female releases 500-1000 adhesive eggs. Remove parents after spawning. Eggs hatch in 48-72 hours at 68°F (20°C). Fry are 0.15 inches (4 mm); feed infusoria for 3 days, then microworms, then baby brine shrimp. Grow-out requires cool water.

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