Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
| Common Names: | Dojo Loach Golden Dojo Pond Loach Weather Loach Weatherfish |
| Synonyms: | Cobitis anguillicaudata Misgurnus anguillicaudatus anguillicaudatus Misgurnus fossilis anguillicaudatus |
| Family: | Cobitidae |
| Category: | Catfish_Bottom_Feeders |
| Distribution: | Asia; The name Dojo Loach is used to refer to two very similar species. M. anguillicaudatus originates from China, Korea, and Japan; it much more common than M. fossilis, which originates from Eastern Europe and is becoming rare. |
| Main Ecosystem: | Stream; Stream |
| Temperament: | Peaceful; Very peaceful - will not bother other fish. Can be seen at all times of the day, though it tends to be more nocturnal. Will eat eggs of other fish. The name "weather loach" is due to the erratic swimming patterns of the fish during drops in barometric pressure. |
| Diet: | Ominvore; Will eat virtually any food that reaches the bottom of the tank, and will occasionally eat food as it sinks to the bottom. The fish will thrive on a diet of flakes, wafers, and fresh vegetables, although in the wild it primarily eats insect larvae and worms. |
| Care: | Provide caves and other dark hiding places. The fish likes to burrow, so provide a soft substrate. A fairly large tank is recommended, as the fish can reach 25 cm; sizes of 12.5 cm - 20 cm are more common. Otherwise, the fish is very easy to care for. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 25cm (9.8") Female: 25cm (9.8") |
| Water Region: | Bottom; Bottom |
| Activity: | Nocturnal; Nocturnal |
| Gender: | The second ray of the male's pectoral fins is longer and thicker, giving the fins a triangular shape. Females have rounder pectoral fins. |
| Breeding: | Being a cold water fish, it requires cooler water in order to spawn. Breeding is rarely accomplished in the aquarium. |
| Variants: | Leucistic varieties, having greatly reduced pigmentation but are not quite albino, are occasionally available in stores and are sold as "Gold Dojo Loaches". Despite the name, these fish are actually more of a pinkish-white color. Some individuals will have patches of dark pigment on their bodies, giving the fish a piebald appearance. |
| Comments: | Both species have an elongated, eel-like body and five sets of barbels. M. anguillicaudatus ranges from gray to brown in color, with an underside that is generally paler than the dorsal half. Small dots are scattered across the body. M. fossilis has horizontal stripes running across the length of the body. Note that this fish's habitat is cooler than temperatures found in tropical tanks. It will survive in tropical tanks, but its lifespan will be shortened. |
| Main Colours: | Black, Grey, Brown |
| Markings: | Spots Small |
| Mouth: | Not Specified |
| Tail: | Flat |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | © FishProfiles.com |
| Submitted By: | elchip |
| Contributors: | Natalie |
| History: | View changes to this profile |
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