Weather Loach, Weather Dojo
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Basic Information
Maximum Size: 8-12"

Recommended Aquarium Size: 20-G Minimum

pH: 6.5 - 8.0

Hardness: 5-20°

Temperature: 60 - 74 °

Temperment: Unaggressive; shoaling

Weather Loach, Dojo Loach
 

Resembling a small eel, the Weather Loach is actually a loach. Often sold at a small size of only a few inches, the Weather Loach can reach a very large size in a very short period. Despite their appearance, they do not eat fish, though they will make short work of shrimp, crayfish, and other invertebrates at the bottom (they do not seem to bother snails). Weather loaches will benefit from a soft substrate, such as sand, which they can root about in.

Weather loaches are not tropical fishes, and can handle cool temperatures, including goldfish tanks.

The Weather Loach has been introduced into numerous regions of the United States, and successfully established itself as an invasive species. Populations of Weather Loach have rapidly depleted benthic insects, amphibians, and other invertebrates in many regions, which are important food items for larger fish. Their rooting behaviour may increase turbidity and lower oxygen in wild environments. As with any fish, care should be taken to avoid accidental releases of this fish into the wild -- they should never be maintained outdoors, as they can travel overland short distances. These fish are restricted in many states, please check to ensure that your state is not one of them before ordering.