Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Also called the weather loach — barometric pressure changes set them swimming wildly. Cold-tolerant, suits unheated room-temperature tanks alongside goldfish or white cloud minnows. Eel-like and burrows into substrate, sand is kinder than gravel.
Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) reaches 15–20 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 200 L. Native to East Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam), it lives in the bottom water column with a peaceful (interactive) temperament. Aim for 10–24 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 8–10 years with good care. Keep dojo loach in groups of 3+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Sinking pellet, frozen bloodworm and shrimp, blanched veg, scavenges leftovers. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: No (eats shrimp).
Care at a glance
Also called the weather loach — barometric pressure changes set them swimming wildly. Cold-tolerant, suits unheated room-temperature tanks alongside goldfish or white cloud minnows. Eel-like and burrows into substrate, sand is kinder than gravel.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether dojo loach fits in your tank.
Bottom
Yes
Group of 3+
Cobitidae
Omnivore
Sinking pellet, frozen bloodworm and shrimp, blanched veg, scavenges leftovers.
8–10 yrs
Hard
East Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam)
East Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam)
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) needs a minimum tank of 200 L. They live in the bottom water column and should be kept in groups of 3+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 10–24 °C, pH 6.5–8.0, and 5–20 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: No (eats shrimp). Plant safety: Yes.
Dojo Loach are omnivore. Sinking pellet, frozen bloodworm and shrimp, blanched veg, scavenges leftovers.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: hard.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 8–10 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
