Weather loaches, such as the Dojo, are renowned for their sensitivity to barometric pressure. When it drops—as happens preceding a storm — the drop in gas pressure in the swimbladder makes these fish very active. Thus they are said to be able to “predict” stormy weather. If the pressure drop is excessive, weather loaches (both the Dojo and its European relative, M.fossilis, the Pond Loach) will “burp” or “break wind.” Golden forms of the Dojo and of M.fossilis are also available.
Other common names
- Chinese/Japanese Weather Loach
Family
- Cobitidae
Subfamily
- Cobitinae
Distribution
- Dojo is widely distributed in northeast Asia; M. fossilis is widely distributed in central and eastern Europe.
Size
- Up to 8in (20cm) or even larger reported, but usually smaller.
Behavior
- Peaceful bottom dweller; most active during the evening and at night, and in the period preceding stormy weather.
Diet
- Wide range of foods accepted.
Aquarium
- Well oxygenated, well filtered, with a water current (as produced by a powerhead outlet) and substratum consisting of gravel, pebbles, and rocks Water chemistry not critical. Temperature range: around 50 F (10 C)—or even lower for M. fossilis—to around 68 F (20 C) or a little higher.
Breeding
- Infrequent in aquaria; the pair wrap their bodies around each other and scatter their eggs among vegetation.
