
Dojo Loach
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Family: Cobitidae • Origin: Various
Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) is a peaceful loach reaching 10 inches. Keep in groups of 3+. Minimum tank size: 75 gallons.
Is Dojo Loach Right for Your Tank?
Dojo Loach is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "beginner" difficulty (1/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. They need at least 75 gallons — a mid-size tank commitment. Plan your space accordingly.
With a peaceful temperament, Dojo Loach makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 3 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 15 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Dojo Loach
Keeping fewer than 3 together
Dojo Loach is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 3 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.
Putting them in a tank under 75 gallons
Many beginners underestimate tank size needs. Dojo Loach requires at least 75 gallons — ideally 113. Cramped tanks lead to stunted growth, aggression, and poor water quality.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 10 inches
- • Temperature: 50-77°F
- • pH: 6.5-8
- • Schooling — keep 3+ together
- • peaceful temperament — safe with community fish
Feeding: Standard omnivore diet. Accepts foods appropriate for Cobitidae species.
Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Cobitidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 75 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 113 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Minimum School Size
- 3+ fish
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 50–77°F
- pH Range
- 6.5–8
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- Yes
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- fast
Typical peaceful Cobitidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 15 years
Ideal For
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