Can Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Freshwater Flounder Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Freshwater Flounder are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Freshwater Flounder

Trinectes maculatus

🐠Family Group
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Loaches
Freshwater Flounder
Oddballs
Temperament
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Peaceful (2/10)
Freshwater Flounder
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
10–24°C
Freshwater Flounder
20–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
6.5–8
Freshwater Flounder
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
5–15
Freshwater Flounder
10–25
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Freshwater Only
Freshwater Flounder
Brackish Required
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Moderate
Freshwater Flounder
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
200 L
Freshwater Flounder
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Bottom
Freshwater Flounder
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerSnail EaterPlant Destroyer
Freshwater Flounder
NocturnalDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Freshwater Flounder?

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.

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Freshwater Flounder
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Freshwater Flounder 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.

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Freshwater Flounder 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Freshwater Flounder 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

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 20°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 22.0°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 10–15 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.

Tank Setup

To house Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Freshwater Flounder 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: 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Freshwater Flounder 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Freshwater Flounder.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Freshwater Flounder live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Freshwater Flounder 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 Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Freshwater Flounder together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 24°C. A target of around 22.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) or Freshwater Flounder aggressive?

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

What pH do Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Freshwater Flounder need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Freshwater Flounder being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Freshwater Flounder 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 Freshwater Flounder during evening hours.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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