Can Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)

Melanoides tuberculata

🐠Family Group
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Loaches
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Invertebrates
Temperament
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Peaceful (2/10)
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
10–24°C
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
18–32°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
6.5–8
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
5–15
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
8–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Freshwater Only
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Moderate
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
200 L
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
5 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Bottom
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerSnail EaterPlant Destroyer
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Nocturnal
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)?

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)
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) may occasionally assert dominance over Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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: Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 18°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 21.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 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 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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), Soil / Nutrient Rich. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) requires Sand (Sifters), while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich. These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. 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 Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) together?

Keep the aquarium between 18°C and 24°C. A target of around 21.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) or Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) aggressive?

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) is peaceful (2/10) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) need?

Both species overlap in the 7–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) during evening hours.


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