Discover the charm of the Golden Weather Loach, a lively and unique addition to your aquarium. Learn care tips, tank mates, and more here.

The Golden Weather Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) is a fascinating freshwater fish known for its eel-like appearance and lively behavior. Also called the Dojo Loach or Pond Loach, it originates from East Asia and has become popular in aquariums worldwide due to its engaging antics and beneficial algae-eating habits. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and caring for the Golden Weather Loach:

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Typically grows between 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) in length, though some individuals can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) in ideal conditions.
• Coloration: The body is elongated and cylindrical with a golden-yellow to olive-brown coloration. The skin can sometimes have a mottled appearance.

Tank Requirements:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended for a small group of Weather Loaches due to their active nature and potential size.
• Water Parameters: They prefer cooler water temperatures ranging from 65-75°F (18-24°C), pH around 6.5-7.5, and soft to moderately hard water (4-12 dGH).
• Substrate and Décor: Use smooth gravel or sand substrate as Weather Loaches enjoy burrowing. Provide plenty of hiding spots with rocks, driftwood, and plants, ensuring open swimming areas.

Behavior and Temperament:

• Golden Weather Loaches are social and active bottom-dwellers, often seen exploring and burrowing in the substrate.
• They are peaceful towards other fish species but may eat small invertebrates like snails and shrimp.

Tank Mates:

• Compatible tank mates include peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, danios, and small to medium-sized catfish species.
• Avoid keeping with aggressive or fin-nipping fish that may stress or harm the loaches.

Feeding Habits:

• Weather Loaches are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet.
• Offer sinking pellets, flakes, frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or cucumber.
• Feed them once or twice daily, ensuring they receive enough food as they can be voracious eaters.

Breeding:

• Breeding Golden Weather Loaches in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved in home aquariums.
• In their native habitat, they spawn in cool, shallow waters during the spring months.
• Successful breeding requires simulating these natural conditions, which can be difficult to replicate in captivity.

Health and Care:

• Maintain good water quality through regular water changes and efficient filtration.
• Weather Loaches are hardy but susceptible to common aquarium diseases like ich (white spot disease) and skin flukes. Quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main tank.
• Provide a balanced diet and monitor for any signs of stress or illness, addressing issues promptly.