Can Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Mountain Rainbowfish Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Mountain Rainbowfish are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. They occupy different areas of the water column, which reduces competition for space. A minimum tank size of 200 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Mountain Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia monticola

🐠Family Group
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Loaches
Mountain Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Temperament
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Peaceful (2/10)
Mountain Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
10–24°C
Mountain Rainbowfish
17–24°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
6.5–8
Mountain Rainbowfish
7.4–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
5–15
Mountain Rainbowfish
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Freshwater Only
Mountain Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Moderate
Mountain Rainbowfish
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
200 L
Mountain Rainbowfish
110 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Bottom
Mountain Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dojo Loach (Weather Loach)
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerSnail EaterPlant Destroyer
Mountain Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Mountain Rainbowfish?

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)
Mountain Rainbowfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Mountain Rainbowfish 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.

In terms of spatial distribution, Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Mountain Rainbowfish occupies the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

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 17°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 20.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.4 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 Mountain Rainbowfish 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), 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Mountain Rainbowfish.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Mountain Rainbowfish live together?

Yes. Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Mountain Rainbowfish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Mountain Rainbowfish 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 Mountain Rainbowfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 17°C and 24°C. A target of around 20.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) or Mountain Rainbowfish aggressive?

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

What pH do Dojo Loach (Weather Loach) and Mountain Rainbowfish need?

Both species overlap in the 7.4–8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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