All fish / Cobitidae

Weather Loach

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Also known as dojo loach, oriental weather loach, pond loach, golden dojo, gold weather loach, albino weather loach, japanese weather loach, dojo, weatherfish, pond loach gold, ปลาหมู่ญี่ปุ่น, ikan tilan

An eel-like loach with a mottled brown or golden body and ten barbels around the mouth. It is hardy, sociable and playful, often burrowing in sand or hanging around the tank, and it becomes restless before changes in air pressure, which gave it its common name.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

10 to 25 °C

pH

6.5 to 8

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

Group of 3 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

7 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

East Asia: China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and northern Vietnam; introduced widely elsewhere

Breeding

It scatters eggs among plants and substrate, usually after a cool spell followed by warming in spring. Captive spawning is uncommon in home aquaria but is done commercially with hormone induction.

Good to know

Grows larger than many expect and prefers unheated water, so it suits coldwater setups and needs a tight lid as it jumps. It is invasive in parts of North America, Australia and Europe and its sale or release is restricted in some places, including several Australian states.