Dojo (weather) loach
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
easy careOverview
The dojo loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), also called the weather loach or pond loach, is a long, eel-shaped, endearing fish from cool East Asian waters. It’s famously hardy, sociable and interactive — many learn to take food from their keeper’s hand — and it’s known for becoming lively before weather changes. Two things set it apart from typical tropical fish: it prefers cool water, and it grows big and long-lived, so it needs planning rather than an impulse purchase.
Tank & water
Adults reach 20–28 cm and are active burrowers, so a group needs a minimum of 150 litres (40 gallons) with a long footprint.
- Cool water: they thrive at 16–24 °C. Keep them in a temperate room without a heater, or set a heater low just to prevent cold snaps — do not keep them tropical-warm long-term.
- Soft substrate: fine sand or smooth, rounded gravel lets them burrow naturally without injury.
- A very secure lid: dojos are escape artists that will find any gap. Cover every opening.
- Clean water and flow: a strong filter and good oxygenation suit them; cycle fully first.
Feeding
An unfussy omnivore and bottom-forager, the dojo eats sinking pellets and wafers, quality flakes from the fish food range, and relishes live and frozen foods — bloodworm, earthworms, brine shrimp — plus some vegetable matter. It also enjoys hunting snails. Feed generously; it’s an enthusiastic eater.
Tankmates
Peaceful and social, it does best in a group of three or more of its own kind, alongside other cool-tolerant, non-aggressive fish such as white cloud mountain minnows, larger danios, goldfish (in cooler tanks) and other temperate species. Avoid warm-water-only tropicals and anything small enough to be startled by its bustling activity.
Plan the tank with our best large aquarium guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Keeping it warm like a tropical fish
- Sharp gravel that injures a burrowing loach
- Any gap in the lid — they escape readily
- Underestimating its adult size
Dojo (weather) loach — frequently asked questions
Does a dojo loach need a heater?
Not necessarily. Dojo loaches are cool-water fish that thrive at 16–24 °C and even tolerate cooler. They can be kept unheated in a temperate room, or with a heater set low to prevent cold snaps. They should not be kept warm like tropical fish long-term.
Why is it called a weather loach?
Dojo loaches are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure and often become active and dart around before storms and pressure drops — earning the nickname 'weather loach'. It's a genuine, well-known behaviour.
How big do dojo loaches get?
Large — 20–28 cm as adults. They are eel-shaped and long-lived, so despite their peaceful nature they need a sizeable tank of at least 150 litres with a soft substrate and a very secure lid.
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