Can Clown Loach and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) Live Together?

🔴Not Recommended

Clown Loach and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Clown Loach

Chromobotia macracanthus

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

🐟Family Group
Clown Loach
Loaches
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Loaches
Temperament
Clown Loach
Peaceful (2/10)
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Clown Loach
25–30°C
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
10–24°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Clown Loach
6–7.5
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Clown Loach
5–12
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Clown Loach
Freshwater Only
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Clown Loach
Moderate
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 600 L
Clown Loach
500 L
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Clown Loach
Bottom
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Clown Loach
Snail EaterHyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Nocturnal
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerSnail EaterPlant Destroyer

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Clown Loach and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Clown Loach 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: Clown Loach is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

There is no temperature overlap between Clown Loach (25–30°C) and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) (10–24°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

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 5–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Clown Loach and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 600 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clown Loach and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.

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

A minimum of 600 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Clown Loach and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Clown Loach requires 25–30°C, while Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) needs 10–24°C.

Are Clown Loach or Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) aggressive?

Clown Loach is peaceful (2/10) and Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Clown Loach 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.

Does Clown Loach being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Clown Loach 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 Clown Loach during evening hours.


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