Can Ceylon Puffer (Brackish) and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) Live Together?

Ceylon Puffer (Brackish) is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) is peaceful (2/10). This notable difference means Ceylon Puffer (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over Dojo Loach (Weather Loach).

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Ceylon Puffer (Brackish) and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Ceylon Puffer (Brackish) 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: Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 12–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

To house Ceylon Puffer (Brackish) 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.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

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

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

Ceylon Puffer (Brackish) and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.