Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Golden Dojo

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Also called Golden weather loach, Gold dojo

VarietyShort profile

From East Asia: Siberia (Amur basin), Sakhalin, Korea, Japan and China south to northern Vietnam1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length10 to 28 cm2 1 3

Sizemedium

Bright golden colour that stands out against dark sand

Gentle, peaceful and full of character

Very hardy coldwater fish

3 2

Looks how to spot one

Long, eel-like loach with barbels

The golden dojo is a colour form of the weather loach with the same long, eel-like body and six mouth barbels, but its dark pigment is missing, leaving a warm golden yellow to orange fish.2 3

Coloursgolden yellow to orange (xanthic)3 2

Personality what they are like

Peaceful and friendly with its own kind and other fish, and often quite comical, resting in odd poses and then bursting back into action.3 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Becomes noticeably more active and lively when kept with others of its kind.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Needs a fine, soft sand bottom for digging and a tight-fitting lid, as it can jump. Not a tropical fish, so no heater is usually needed indoors.2 3

Home where they are happiest

A large tank with a base of at least 120 x 45 cm (about 240 litres) suits adults. Seriously Fish recommends 18-23 C (tolerates 5-25 C), pH 6.0-8.0 and hardness 1-12 dGH.3 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A bottom forager that eats worms, insect larvae and small crustaceans. Sinking foods work well, with regular live or frozen Daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm.1 3 2

Company who they like around

Best kept in a group of at least three.2 3

The story where it all began

The golden dojo is an ornamental strain of the East Asian weather loach, bred for the aquarium trade. Seriously Fish describes it as a xanthic form, and Wikipedia lists golden dojo among the captive-bred varieties.2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is the same species as the wild weather loach, simply lacking dark pigment.3
2
Like its wild relative it can breathe air through its gut when water is low in oxygen.2
3
It may react to falling air pressure before storms with bursts of frantic swimming.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 20 September 2011)1
FishBase: Listed as used in the commercial aquarium trade1
Aquarium trade: Ornamental xanthic (golden) strain of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Golden Dojo. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Golden Dojo?

Feed your Golden Dojo small amounts once or twice a day, as suggested by Furry Diary's starting plan. They are bottom foragers, so sinking foods work well.1 3 2 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Golden Dojo eat, and what should it never eat?

Golden Dojos are bottom foragers that eat worms, insect larvae, and small crustaceans. Offer sinking pellets and regular live or frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworm. No foods are listed as harmful here, so ask your vet for any specific restrictions.1 3 2

How much space does a Golden Dojo need?

Provide a large tank with a base of at least 120 x 45 cm (about 240 litres) for adults. This gives them room to swim and forage.3 1

What temperature, light or water does a Golden Dojo need?

Keep water temperature between 18, 23°C (they tolerate 5, 25°C), pH 6.0, 8.0, and hardness 1, 12 dGH. No heater is usually needed indoors, but do use a tight-fitting lid as they can jump.3 1 2

How often should I clean a Golden Dojo's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change and glass cleaning, plus a monthly filter rinse using old tank water. This keeps the environment healthy. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Golden Dojo live with others?

Yes, Golden Dojos are peaceful and friendly with their own kind and other fish. They are best kept in a group of at least three to stay active and happy.2 3

How long does a Golden Dojo live?

Lifespan varies with care; they can live several years under good conditions. For a specific estimate, ask your vet or consult a trusted breeder.

Can I handle a Golden Dojo?

It’s best not to handle them directly, they are delicate, can easily become stressed, and may jump. Use a net or container if you need to move them.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Weather Loach

Stone Loach

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Misgurnus anguillicaudatus fishbase.seused for size, native range, temperature, diet, reproduction, IUCN status
Wikipedia: Pond loach en.wikipedia.orgused for names, size, colours, weather behaviour, air breathing, food use, care, fun facts
Seriously Fish: Misgurnus anguillicaudatus seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, diet, behaviour, colour forms

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.