Misgurnus anguillicaudatus was first described by Cantor in 1842. This species of loach goes by a few nicknames which include the Dojo loach, Weather loach, Oriental Weather Fish, and Pond Loach. This species is one of the larger loaches capable of reaching some ten inches in length. And Weather loaches are known to be offered as a food-fish in SE Asia.

 

M. anguillicaudatus has a wide distribution range including non-endemic locations including China, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South and probably North Korea, and Japan. Apparently they have been introduced to Australia, USA, Phillipines, Hawaii, Palau and Turkmenistan as well. In Australia there are hefty fines imposed on realizing these fish because they are highly adaptable to the environment and have a direct impact on local fauna.

 

Weather loaches are listed on the endangered species list over at the IUCN Red List website as least concern due to ecosystem loss and degradation in China and Japan. In terms of differentiation males have longer pectoral minds when viewed from above while females are noticeably plumper especially when gravid. Relative to husbandry its recommended to keep a small group of these loaches together, three to six specimens will do well in a spacious community tank and some recommend keeping a secure lid on the aquarium common for Arowana fish keepers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hillstream loach for sale Meet the Sewellia lineolata the reticulated loach from Vietnam