Also known as weather loach. Scientific name misgurnus anguillicaudatus. I've been studying them at various fish stores, and reading up on them. Generally, this is what I've found. I wondered if anyone with more experience can comment or help me answer some of the questions?
Tank size required: Most sources suggest a 4-foot tank of about 200 litres as a starting point. I believe footprint is important due to their nature. I have an empty tank that is 40" length, 16" wide, and 180 litres. Is this a complete non-starter until I have something slightly larger? They are social creatures, and the minimum number I'd want to keep is 4. I only want a species tank. There would be no other fish in the set up. I'm aware the tank needs a very secure lid.
Lighting: They prefer something more subdued. This is perfect, because I don't aim to keep any live plants with them, and I do not like set-up's that are too bright. It is important that this set up has a quite natural look to it.
Substrate/Decor: Either sand or very fine gravel. Should I just get the finest sand available for them, or would very fine gravel be okay? I know about their digging tendencies, and that they can submerge themselves in the substrate. In addition, I need to maintain the health of their barbels. The rest of the tank will be a few bits of wood to create some sense of shelter.
Filter/Flow: Most sources state that their natural habitat is quite slow moving.
pH/Hardness: The range appears to be a pH of between 6.5 and 8.0, with the general hardness being 5 and 10 degrees. My tap water has a pH of about 7.6 to 8.0 with a general hardness of 15 to 16 degrees. Would I need to use a percentage of Reverse Osmosis water to get the hardness down to about 10 degrees or less?
Temperature: I know it's a very wide range, but most sources advise something between 65F to 75F. I was wondering what is the more ideal temperature to aim for? I know they are more cold water than tropical, which is fine, as they will be the only fish in this set up. My room temperature at home varies between about 66F and 73F.
Diet: Can take sinking dried foods, but also like live and/or frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and blood worm. I don't like using live foods (unless maybe it was some kind of insects?). Would they be able to get a good diet with the finest dried foods available, supplemented with frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and blood worm? What about vegetable content?
Size: I know they can reach a maximum size of 11". Some sites suggest 12". It would appear that captive specimens do not necessarily get this big?
Other questions:
Tank size required: Most sources suggest a 4-foot tank of about 200 litres as a starting point. I believe footprint is important due to their nature. I have an empty tank that is 40" length, 16" wide, and 180 litres. Is this a complete non-starter until I have something slightly larger? They are social creatures, and the minimum number I'd want to keep is 4. I only want a species tank. There would be no other fish in the set up. I'm aware the tank needs a very secure lid.
Lighting: They prefer something more subdued. This is perfect, because I don't aim to keep any live plants with them, and I do not like set-up's that are too bright. It is important that this set up has a quite natural look to it.
Substrate/Decor: Either sand or very fine gravel. Should I just get the finest sand available for them, or would very fine gravel be okay? I know about their digging tendencies, and that they can submerge themselves in the substrate. In addition, I need to maintain the health of their barbels. The rest of the tank will be a few bits of wood to create some sense of shelter.
Filter/Flow: Most sources state that their natural habitat is quite slow moving.
pH/Hardness: The range appears to be a pH of between 6.5 and 8.0, with the general hardness being 5 and 10 degrees. My tap water has a pH of about 7.6 to 8.0 with a general hardness of 15 to 16 degrees. Would I need to use a percentage of Reverse Osmosis water to get the hardness down to about 10 degrees or less?
Temperature: I know it's a very wide range, but most sources advise something between 65F to 75F. I was wondering what is the more ideal temperature to aim for? I know they are more cold water than tropical, which is fine, as they will be the only fish in this set up. My room temperature at home varies between about 66F and 73F.
Diet: Can take sinking dried foods, but also like live and/or frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and blood worm. I don't like using live foods (unless maybe it was some kind of insects?). Would they be able to get a good diet with the finest dried foods available, supplemented with frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and blood worm? What about vegetable content?
Size: I know they can reach a maximum size of 11". Some sites suggest 12". It would appear that captive specimens do not necessarily get this big?
Other questions:
- I really only want a species tank. It makes everything so much easier when trying to meet the specific needs. However, I did read that dither fish can be useful for them?
- Would they appreciate something like PVC pipes for additional shelter/exploration?
- I read that they are more prone to ich and worms. What's the best way to prepare for this? I didn't read much about what medications they can, or cannot handle, how they would respond to higher temperatures for 1-2 weeks, and whether or not they can tolerate much salt? Also, about the worms, is it worth considering a prophylactic treatment once I get them?
