Can Amazon Puffer and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Amazon Puffer and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 200 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Amazon Puffer

Colomesus asellus

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

🐠Family Group
Amazon Puffer
Puffers
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Loaches
Temperament
Amazon Puffer
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Amazon Puffer
22–28°C
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
10–24°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Amazon Puffer
5.5–7.5
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Amazon Puffer
4–15
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Amazon Puffer
Freshwater Only
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Amazon Puffer
Moderate
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Amazon Puffer
80 L
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Amazon Puffer
MiddleBottomTop
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Amazon Puffer
Snail EaterFin NipperHyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Shrimp EaterNocturnal
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerSnail EaterPlant Destroyer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Amazon Puffer and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Amazon Puffer
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Amazon Puffer is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Amazon Puffer may occasionally assert dominance over Dojo Loach (Weather Loach).

Amazon Puffer and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Amazon Puffer is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Amazon Puffer is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Keep fin nippers in larger groups to distribute nipping behaviour among conspecifics rather than tank mates.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Amazon Puffer and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Shells (Breeding/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Amazon Puffer's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Amazon Puffer and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Amazon Puffer and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 200 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Amazon Puffer and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) need?

A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 120 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Amazon Puffer and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 24°C. A target of around 23.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Amazon Puffer or Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) aggressive?

Amazon Puffer is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Amazon Puffer and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Amazon Puffer nip Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)'s fins?

Amazon Puffer is a known fin nipper. If Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Amazon Puffer in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

Does Amazon Puffer being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Amazon Puffer is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Amazon Puffer during evening hours.


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