Hi everyone, I'm hoping you can help me out with some conflicting info I've been getting about dojo loaches. I'm thinking of getting just one and I've got a few questions to clear things up.
First off, do dojo loaches need to be in groups or is one okay on its own?
I've also got a 13g tank (24 x 12 inches) and I've heard mixed opinions on whether this is big enough - some say yes, some say no.
Then there's the issue of fish size - some people say they get up to 4-6 inches, while others claim they can grow up to 10 inches or so.
Lastly, I've been getting mixed signals about water temp - some say they're strictly cold water fish, while others claim it's not a huge deal and they can thrive in warmer water too.
Thanks in advance for your help,
Dojo loaches information and care
Re: Dojo loaches information and care
I've had dojo loaches in the past, and I've found they definitely prefer cooler water, but they can adapt to pretty much any temperature. As for keeping them in numbers, I think it's best to keep them in groups - they seem to do well with some company.
When it comes to tank size, I'd say 30 gallons is my bare minimum - anything less than that, especially 20 gallons, is really pushing it in my opinion. As for the fish size, mine never really got bigger than around 5 inches, but I've heard of some getting up to 7 inches in captivity.
When it comes to tank size, I'd say 30 gallons is my bare minimum - anything less than that, especially 20 gallons, is really pushing it in my opinion. As for the fish size, mine never really got bigger than around 5 inches, but I've heard of some getting up to 7 inches in captivity.
Re: Dojo loaches information and care
They can indeed reach up to 10 inches in length and thrive in groups. A 2-foot tank just won't cut it for adults, they really need a tank that's at least 4 feet long to give them the space they require.
As for temperature, these fish are naturally cold-water but in their natural habitat, the water warms up during the summer months and cools down in winter. So, an unheated aquarium is perfectly fine, and it's actually beneficial to let the temperature drop for a few months each year, just to give them a bit of a seasonal change.
As for temperature, these fish are naturally cold-water but in their natural habitat, the water warms up during the summer months and cools down in winter. So, an unheated aquarium is perfectly fine, and it's actually beneficial to let the temperature drop for a few months each year, just to give them a bit of a seasonal change.
Re: Dojo loaches information and care
Pretty much in line with the others. They can reach lengths of 10-12 inches, which is quite substantial.
Grouping is essential for these fish, as recent studies have highlighted the physiological benefits of physical contact with their own kind, a trait also observed in Kuhlies, ropefish, and presumably botiine loaches as well.
Their natural habitat is characterized by cold water that can warm up to tropical temperatures during the summer months. However, it's crucial to avoid keeping them at tropical temperatures for extended periods.
Considering their growth potential and social requirements, I would recommend a minimum tank footprint of 4 feet by 18 inches to provide them with the space they need to thrive.
Grouping is essential for these fish, as recent studies have highlighted the physiological benefits of physical contact with their own kind, a trait also observed in Kuhlies, ropefish, and presumably botiine loaches as well.
Their natural habitat is characterized by cold water that can warm up to tropical temperatures during the summer months. However, it's crucial to avoid keeping them at tropical temperatures for extended periods.
Considering their growth potential and social requirements, I would recommend a minimum tank footprint of 4 feet by 18 inches to provide them with the space they need to thrive.
PHPBB-BG.INFO