About Dojo Loach

The Dojo Loach, also known as the Weather Loach, is an eel-like fish that is famous for its sensitivity to barometric pressure changes, often becoming more active before storms. These fascinating bottom-dwellers can grow to 12 inches and have a unique snake-like appearance with whisker-like barbels around their mouth. They are peaceful, hardy fish that can live in coldwater or tropical tanks and are excellent companions for goldfish. Their playful behavior and tendency to "dance" in the water column make them entertaining pets.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Dojo Loaches need soft substrate and hiding places.

Essential Setup:

  • 30+ gallons minimum (55+ for adults)
  • Sand substrate (they burrow)
  • Hiding spots: Caves, PVC pipes, driftwood
  • Plants okay but may uproot
  • Secure lid (can jump)
  • Temperature 50-77°F

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 50-77°F (10-25°C) - very wide range
  • pH: 6.0-8.0
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (3-15 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Can live with goldfish in unheated tanks!

Feeding

Omnivorous bottom feeders:

  • Sinking pellets or wafers
  • Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp
  • Vegetables: blanched zucchini
  • Food that reaches bottom

Weather Prediction

Famous barometric sensitivity:

  • Become active: Before storms
  • Swim frantically: When pressure drops
  • “Dancing”: Erratic swimming patterns
  • Historical use: Kept as weather predictors

Behavior & Compatibility

Peaceful and entertaining:

  • Peaceful: Excellent community fish
  • Burrowers: Love to dig in sand
  • Active: More active than most loaches
  • Social: Keep 2-3 minimum
  • Jumpers: Secure lid essential

Good Tank Mates:

  • Goldfish (perfect coldwater companions)
  • White Clouds
  • Weather tolerant fish
  • Peaceful community fish

Avoid:

  • Aggressive fish
  • Small shrimp (may be eaten)
  • Rough substrates

Size Considerations

  • Sold as: 3-4 inch juveniles
  • Adult size: 6-12 inches
  • Long-term: Need larger tanks as they grow

Special Behaviors

  • Burrowing: Will bury themselves in sand
  • Dancing: Active swimming, especially before weather changes
  • Lid needed: Excellent jumpers
  • Sensory barbels: Feel around for food

Color Variations

  • Standard: Brown with spots
  • Golden: Albino/gold coloration

Breeding

Difficult in aquariums:

  • Egg layers
  • Triggered by temperature changes
  • Not commonly bred

Tips for Success

  • Use sand substrate (essential)
  • Provide hiding spots
  • Secure lid (they jump)
  • Can live with goldfish
  • Entertaining weather predictors
  • Keep in small groups

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Goldfish
🐠 White Clouds
🐠 Coldwater fish
🐠 Peaceful Community Fish