Weather Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)
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Weather Loach
Weather Loach
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
208 Litres (55 US G.)
20.3-25.4cm (8-10 ")
Freshwater
7.0 - 8.0
10 -25 °C (50-77°F)
8-12 °d
1:2 M:F
6-10 years
Family
Cobitidae
This animal is available captive bred
Contents
Additional names
- Weather Loach, Dojo Loach, Golden Dojo Loach, Golden Weather Loach, Weather Fish, Oriental Weatherfish, Pond Loach
Additional scientific names
- Cobitis anguillicaudata, Misgurnis crossochilus, Misgurnus lividus, Misgurnus fossilis anguillicaudatus, Ussuria lepocephala
Origin[edit]
- The Weather Loach is a widely distributed fish, considered invasive in non-native countries. It is native to Siberia (Tugur and Amur drainages), Sakhalin, Korea, Japan, China south to northern Vietnam.
Sexing[edit]
- Pectoral fins are larger and more triangular in appearance on the males. Female have slightly thicker bodies.
Tank compatibility[edit]
- An active tank inhabitant that should be kept in a minimum group of 3 individuals, more if possible. Can be kept with other sub-tropical or coldwater fish, but should not be kept with Goldfish as they are high waste producers and this is detrimental to the Dojo Loach. It has also been seen for the very active Loach to swim into larger slow-moving fish like fancy Goldfish, this can cause the slower fish internal damage.
Diet[edit]
- Will take fry foods like flakes, also they appreciate skinned cooked peas. Will also take live/frozen food such as bloodworm and daphnia, as well as eating small snails.
Feeding regime[edit]
- Feed once or twice a day.
Environment specifics[edit]
- They are found in coldwater to sub tropical temperatures in the wild. Will not thrive at tropical temperatures. Keep in a well oxygenated tank with a good current. They like to dig so a soft substrate and secure décor is appreciated, may uproot plants. Puting them in warm water will significantly reduce their lifespan and can make them more prone to disease. Can live for at least a decade if kept in cold water with ideal conditions.
Behaviour[edit]
- Very active, and often goes crazy when the weather is changing (air pressure fails) hence the name "weather loach". This loach can jump out of your aquarium on very rare occasion, and can also interact with humans.
Identification[edit]
- An exceptionally elongated snake-like body with many bristles on the nose. Come in a variety of colour morphs from a brassy, almost metallic colour to a dull brown. Some fish are boldly marked, while others have almost no markings beyond light speckling. A "golden" variety is available, which is hypo-melanistic, with dark eyes, plus very occasionally true albinos are seen.
Pictures[edit]
Weather Loach
Golden Weather Loach
Golden Weather Loach
Weather Loach
Videos[edit]
External links[edit]
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
)
