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The Weather Loach


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Weather Loach

Misgurnis anguillicaudatus

Scientific Name: Misgurnis anguillicaudatus

Common Name(s): Weather Loach, Dojo Loach, Weatherfish

Distribution: Native to East and Southeast Asia; Introduced to Australia, Hawaii, Palau, Philippines, Turkmenistan and USA

Maximum Size: 20-25 Centimeters

Color Forms: Gold, Mottled Grey/Brown, Grey, Pink

Similar Species: Chinese Weather Loach (Misgurnis mizolepis)

Feeding: Omnivore; will take flake food, shrimp pellets, brine shrimp or bloodworm.

Temperature: 5-25 Degrees Celsius

Water parameters: Ph 6.0-8.0. Hardness: Medium Soft to Medium

Breeding: Difficult; bred commercially in East and Southeast Asia as food; the male wraps himself around the female, eggs and sperm are released, the eggs rest upon the substrate

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Notes

The Weather Loach is a very charismatic fish that is full of energy! As a river fish, it enjoys swimming against the current of the filter outtake. A powerhead may be required to view this fish portraying its natural behaviour. It is also a true cold-water species and therefore should be provided with cooler than usual tropical fish water. That said, it is a very hardy fish, often thriving in countries (such as Hawaii and Australia) as an alien fish species. In fact, some countries have bans on importing and keeping these fish. The Weather Loach is perhaps, the oldest aquarium fish known. It was once used as a barometer in jars filled with water due to its ability to distinguish changes in barometric pressure. The Weather Loach can be observed acting strangely in the aquarium when it senses these changes. Often used to eradicate snail problems in home aquaria, the Weather Loach is not to be trusted with small invertebrates of any kind. It can become quite owner responsive, often swimming frantically at the front of the tank when the owner approaches, and can even be hand-fed. In short, the Weather Loach is an interesting find and an excellent community fish!

Contributed By Taylor Rhodes

Edited by Slough Shark
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