Starting with the substrate, we recommend choosing fine sand. Kuhli loaches mind their own business, love to eat brine shrimp and need at least 20-gallons to be happy. Here are some good tank mates to consider: Author Note: Always monitor your fish early on to look for signs of trouble. Due to their activity level and need to move, it’s not uncommon for them to try and jump out of the aquarium. When it comes to color, there’s a lot of variety with Pond Loaches. [4] This indicates eastern Georgia is environmentally suitable for it, and so if not stopped M. anguillicaudatus is expected to spread through the area. In fact, they’re one of the most popular…, Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. If you have sand as your substrate loaches may burrow deep into it. In fact, these fish are considered to be pretty fool-proof because it takes extreme changes to their water conditions to have an impact on their health. Basically, it’s a parasitic infection. There are other varieties bred from captivity like the gold strain and the peppered strain (not to be confused with the pepper loach). There is a distinct color variation available. These fish do best when they are in a group of 3 or more. They’re often referred to as a Pond Loach or Weather Loach as well. Other Botia Loaches. Tank decorations that they can swim through and driftwood both work great for this. Whether you planned the spawning or not, it’s important to separate the adults from the eggs. They will spend a lot of time hiding or staying still, but should be given a place to stay which will have cover and shade. Pond loaches are omnivorous and may also feed on tubifex worms and other small aquatic organisms. You do need to keep a group of at least 6 but they are smaller than Yo-Yo's who should also be kept in a group. Make sure the plants are properly anchored to prevent them from being uprooted when they dig. However, ghost shrimp also make excellent (if delicate) community additions. Because of their appetite for snails, these loaches can help alleviate snail infestations in tropical fish tanks, though many have reported that while pond loaches do eat snails, they do not eat them at a fast enough rate to deal with an infestation. Purchasers often presume when buying tropical freshwater fish that all species will thrive in the (typical for home freshwater aquarium installations) 76–82 °F (24–28 °C) range; this presumption is incorrect in the case of the pond loach. Pond loaches enjoy digging and burrowing themselves in the substrate of their tank, so make sure that your substrate is fine enough for them to dig in. Dojo Loaches need a sizable tank to stay healthy. They’re friendly, active, and look very unique! The head is somewhat pointed, which is pretty common for fish in the Loach family. While they are generally tolerant of a wide range of living conditions, keeping things just right will help these fish live long and healthy lives. They get along well with goldfish. This makes the pond loach a great choice for first-time aquariums and for those who want a hardy fish tank able to withstand a few mistakes. The fins are relatively small, further cementing that eel-like look. One of the most important things to think about when planning your tank is security. We recommend regular testing and 30 percent water changes every week. Alternatively, air stones work great, too. Fish that take on a goldish yellow hue are typically referred to as Gold Dojo Loaches. Don’t let their simple looks fool you. Solitary pond loaches tend to spend much of their time hiding. When it comes to decorations, there aren’t a ton of requirements to concern yourself with. Between 2010 and 2020 M. anguillicaudatus was found in 10 states of the United States including Alabama and Georgia. The bond they form with their owners is something that you don’t find very often! To fill the lower regions of the tank, you could try Kuhli Loaches, Zebra Loaches, Corydoras Catfish, or Yoyo Loaches. [5] That could include the downstream and adjacent rivers, the Middle Oconee, the North Oconee, the Oconee River itself, the Ocmulgee, and the Altamaha. They’re also used to dig through the substrate so that they can bury themselves. (2017). Author Note: Take a few minutes once or twice a week to test these levels. For start, Loaches should be kept in smaller groups. I got a bag of pest snails from the local shop gratis, helping them out, and put them in the tank and never saw a single snail again. You can supplement the dry food with live or frozen snacks as well. They are very hardy fish that can live in poor quality water. They do not exhibit any parental behavior at all and may eat the eggs. But unlike some other fish that are easy to care for, these are still incredibly rewarding to keep. Even with their resilience in tough environments, you should make things easier for your fish in captivity. Author Note: The owners we know who’ve had their Dojo Loaches exceed the typical lifespan all keep them in very large tanks with perfect water quality. Take a look at your tank and plan for all possible escape routes. This fish species can be found all across Asia and actually serve as a food source for areas throughout China, Japan, Korea, and even Russia. Distinct reputation in the wild Dojo Loaches are slender and eel/snake-like cramped and uncomfortable these! To look for signs of socialization with other non-aggressive fish Loaches do fine. Streams, rice ponds, small lakes, and look very unique.! 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