How long do Dojo Loaches live?
Dojo Loaches live about 7-10 years with good care. Their coldwater tolerance and hardiness make them long-term pond or cool-tank residents.
What do Dojo Loaches eat?
They are omnivorous scavengers taking sinking pellets, wafers, and frozen/live foods, plus some vegetable matter. Overfeeding is the main diet error; they will eat a lot if allowed.
Tank size and water parameters
A 40-gallon (150 L) tank or pond suits one or a small group. Target 59-77°F (15-25°C), pH 6.0-8.0, moderate hardness, zero ammonia and nitrite, nitrate under 30 ppm. Provide fine substrate for burrowing and a very secure lid — they jump.
Common mistakes with Dojo Loaches
Key errors: a tropical heated tank (they prefer cool water); too small a tank for a 6-10 inch fish; an open lid (famous jumpers); and tropical tank mates that need warmth they cannot provide.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Heating a tropical tank — dojos prefer cool 59-77°F water.
- Too small a tank — adults reach 6-10 inches and need room.
- An open lid — they are notorious jumpers.
- Tropical tank mates — keep them with other coolwater species.