Gold Weather Loach

The Gold Weather Loach is a captive-bred golden colour form of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, the Dojo or Oriental Weather Loach. It carries a near-complete absence of melanophores, producing a uniform warm yellow to orange-gold body that is eye-catching in both coldwater and temperate aquaria. Like the wild form, it is a hardy, burrowing fish with considerable personality.

The species is named for its weather-sensing ability: barometric pressure changes cause the fish to become hyperactive, darting and looping around the aquarium prior to storms — a phenomenon documented for centuries in East Asian households. The Gold Weather Loach retains this behaviour fully. It is a long-lived fish, readily reaching 10–15 years with proper care, and becomes genuinely tame with regular feeding interaction.

Care is straightforward: clean, cool water with fine substrate for burrowing, a secure lid (they are strong and will dislodge poorly fitted covers), and a varied diet of sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, and vegetable matter. A group of two or three is recommended, and they integrate well with other temperate species including goldfish and white cloud minnows.

Water: pH 6.0–8.0, temperature 10–23°C; robust and tolerant, but prefers clean cool water. Tank: 150 L minimum for a small group; deep fine sand, robust or no plants, tight lid essential. Feeding: Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, earthworm, blanched vegetables; enthusiastic feeder. Breeding: Possible in ponds with spring warming; scatters eggs in fine vegetation. Compatibility: Excellent with goldfish, white clouds, and other temperate species; avoid tiny fish.