Dojo Loach
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Synonyms Weather loach · Oriental weatherfish · Pond loach
Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 28 cm (11 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 64–74°F (17.8–23.3°C) and pH 6–8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 243 L (64 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 28 cm (11 in) |
| Minimum tank | 243 L (64 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 64–74°F (17.8–23.3°C) |
| pH | 6–8 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Dojo Loach needs at least 243 L (64 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 120P.
- It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 9.3 cm (3.7 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Rummy Nose Tetra and Crystal Red Shrimp.
- It holds at 64–74°F (17.8–23.3°C). That shares a window with Cherry Shrimp and Goldfish, but not with Betta and Angelfish.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
- One of them takes up roughly 34% of what a 120P will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 243 L (64 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 120P.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
64–74°F (17.8–23.3°C), pH 6–8.
How long does it live?
5–10 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Dojo Loach | Clown Loach | Yoyo Loach | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 28 cm | 30 cm | 16 cm |
| Min tank | 243 L | 648 L | 243 L |
| Group | 1+ | 5+ | 5+ |
| Temperature | 64–74°F (17.8–23.3°C) | 75–86°F (24–30°C) | 66–82°F (19–27.5°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | Yes |
More livestock
Sources (2) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Mature tankseriouslyfish.com
- aquariadise.com