Can Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Marlier's Julie Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Marlier's Julie are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. 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

Marlier's Julie

Julidochromis marlieri

🐠Family Group
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Loaches
Marlier's Julie
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Peaceful (2/10)
Marlier's Julie
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
10–24°C
Marlier's Julie
23–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
6.5–8
Marlier's Julie
8.2–9.3
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
5–15
Marlier's Julie
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Freshwater Only
Marlier's Julie
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Moderate
Marlier's Julie
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
200 L
Marlier's Julie
114 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Bottom
Marlier's Julie
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerSnail EaterPlant Destroyer
Marlier's Julie
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Marlier's Julie?

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)
Marlier's Julie
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Marlier's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Marlier's Julie may occasionally assert dominance over Dojo Loach (Weather Loach).

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Marlier's Julie 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) (6.5–8) and Marlier's Julie (8.2–9.3) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Marlier's Julie 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 Marlier's Julie 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 Marlier's Julie.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Marlier's Julie live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Marlier's Julie 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 Marlier's Julie together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 24°C. A target of around 23.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) or Marlier's Julie aggressive?

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) is peaceful (2/10) and Marlier's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Marlier's Julie need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) prefers 6.5–8, while Marlier's Julie needs 8.2–9.3. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Marlier's Julie's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Marlier's Julie space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

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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