Can Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Licorice Gourami Live Together?

Both Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Licorice Gourami 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 Licorice Gourami 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: Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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.

The pH requirements of Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) (6.5–8) and Licorice Gourami (3–6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) needs 5–15 dGH while Licorice Gourami requires 0–4 dGH.

To house Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Licorice Gourami 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), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Driftwood (Digestion/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 Licorice Gourami'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.

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Licorice Gourami 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.