GOLDEN WEATHER LOACH (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)

Golden Weather Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)

Description

The Golden Weather Loach, also known as the Dojo Loach, is a hardy, peaceful bottom-dwelling fish prized for its lively behavior and unique golden coloration. Its name comes from its sensitivity to barometric pressure — it becomes more active before storms, hence the nickname “Weather Loach.”

These loaches have elongated, eel-like bodies and smooth, scale-covered skin with small barbels around the mouth for sensing food. The golden morph is a bright, shimmering yellow-gold version of the wild type, making it a popular and eye-catching addition to freshwater aquariums and outdoor ponds alike.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

• Common Names: Golden Dojo Loach, Weather Loach, Oriental Weatherfish

• Origin: East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Siberia)

• Adult Size: 6–10 inches (15–25 cm)

• Lifespan: 8–13 years (can live over 15 years with good care)

• Temperament: Peaceful, social, and curious

• Tank Level: Bottom dweller

Care Guide

Tank Size

Minimum 30 gallons for a small group of 2–3 loaches. They are active swimmers and enjoy plenty of space to explore.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 64–75°F (18–24°C) — can tolerate cooler water

• pH: 6.5–8.0

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5–15 dGH)

• Flow: Gentle to moderate

They can tolerate a wide temperature range, which makes them suitable for unheated tanks or indoor ponds.

Tank Setup

• Substrate: Soft sand or smooth gravel (they love to dig and burrow)

• Décor: Provide hiding spots with driftwood, caves, and plants.

• Lighting: Low to moderate — they prefer dim or shaded areas.

• Cover: A tight lid is essential; they’re known escape artists!

Diet

Omnivorous and not picky eaters. Feed a mix of:

• High-quality sinking pellets or wafers

• Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia

• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, peas, cucumber)

They also help clean up leftover food from the bottom of the tank.

Behavior & Compatibility

Golden Weather Loaches are social and best kept in small groups (3 or more). They are peaceful and do well with most community fish that share similar water conditions, such as goldfish, danios, or white clouds.

They are very active during feeding and may occasionally wriggle or dart around before weather changes — a charming trait that inspired their name!

Breeding

Breeding in home aquariums is rare and typically requires cool water changes to simulate seasonal rain. Most Weather Loaches available in stores are farm-raised.

Fun Fact

The Golden Weather Loach can actually “gulp” air from the surface and use its intestines to absorb oxygen, allowing it to survive in low-oxygen conditions or even damp environments for short periods.