EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Minimum Size: A single weather loach needs at least 20 gallons of water, but larger is better for these active fish.
• Ideal Size: 30 gallons or more is preferable if you plan to keep more than one loach. These fish grow relatively large and are very active, so they need plenty of space to swim around.

• Temperature: Weather loaches are cold-water fish and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The optimal temperature is 50–75°F (10–24°C). They can handle colder water (down to about 41°F or 5°C) and warmer water, but temperatures above 75°F (24°C) can stress them out.
• pH Level: 6.5–8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline).
• Hardness: Soft to moderate water hardness (4–20 dGH).
• Water Quality: Weather loaches are sensitive to poor water conditions, so it’s important to keep ammonia and nitrites at 0 ppm and maintain nitrate levels below 20 ppm.

• Filtration: A strong filtration system is essential since weather loaches can produce quite a bit of waste. However, they don’t like strong currents, so use a filter with adjustable flow or one designed for low-flow environments.
• Air Pump: While they don’t need an air pump, adding one will help keep the water oxygenated, especially in a heavily stocked tank.

• Best Option: Smooth gravel, sand, or a soft substrate is ideal. Weather loaches like to burrow and search for food, so a substrate without sharp edges is important to prevent injury.
• Avoid: Coarse gravel or any sharp substrate that could harm their sensitive barbels.

• Hiding Spots: Provide plenty of hiding spaces for your weather loaches. They are nocturnal and prefer to rest in caves, driftwood, or thick plants during the day.
• Live Plants: They will not harm plants, and live plants can help maintain water quality by absorbing nitrates. Hardy plants like Anubias and Java Fern work well.
• Rocks or Driftwood: These fish enjoy places to hide and explore, so adding rocks, driftwood, or ceramic caves is beneficial.

Weather loaches are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including:

• Staple Foods: Sinking pellets designed for bottom feeders, as well as high-quality fish flakes. A mixture of proteins and vegetables is best.
• Live/Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and earthworms are all favorites.
• Vegetables: Offer blanched peas, spinach, or zucchini to add variety to their diet.
• Snails and Worms: They will also scavenge for snails or worms in the substrate, which is part of their natural behavior.

• Feeding Frequency: Offer food 2–3 times a day. Weather loaches have hearty appetites and will often search for food at the bottom of the tank.
• Feed in Small Portions: Only provide as much food as the fish can consume within a few minutes to avoid polluting the water.

• Perform partial water changes of 20-30% once a week to maintain good water quality. This helps remove organic waste that builds up in the tank.
• Use an aquarium water conditioner to neutralize chlorine or chloramine from tap water before adding it to the tank.
• Test water parameters regularly to ensure ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are within safe ranges:
  • Ammonia: 0 ppm
  • Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

• Weather loaches are good at scavenging leftover food and debris, but regular cleaning is necessary to ensure the tank stays healthy. Remove uneaten food and vacuum the substrate to keep it free of waste buildup.

• Weather loaches can tolerate both cold and warmer water, making them an ideal species for unheated tanks or outdoor ponds in cooler climates.
• Keep the water temperature between 50–75°F (10–24°C). If temperatures exceed 75°F (24°C), they can become stressed and more susceptible to disease.

• Weather loaches are nocturnal and prefer dim lighting during the day. You can use aquarium lights, but avoid excessive brightness. A natural day-night cycle will also help them feel more comfortable.
• Keep the lighting moderate, and use low-intensity lights if possible.

• Ich (White Spot Disease): This is a common parasitic infection that causes small white spots on the body and fins. It usually occurs in tanks with fluctuating temperatures or poor water quality.
• Swim Bladder Disease: Can cause issues with buoyancy, such as floating upside down or having trouble swimming.
• Fin Rot: Caused by poor water quality or bacterial infections, resulting in ragged or discolored fins.

• Avoid handling your weather loach as much as possible. Like most fish, they have delicate skin and protective mucus that can be damaged by human contact.
• If you need to move them, use a soft net and handle them gently.

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or abnormal swimming behavior (e.g., floating at the surface or staying hidden constantly)
• Clamped fins, torn fins, or discoloration of the body
• Scratching against objects or the substrate (signs of parasites or irritation)

Weather loaches can breed in captivity, but they need specific conditions:

• Water Temperature: Slightly cooler temperatures (around 50–60°F / 10–15°C) will encourage spawning.
• Spawning: Males will chase females, and after a period of courtship, the female will lay eggs on plants or tank decorations. Eggs hatch in 2–3 days.
• Egg Care: The fry (young fish) are very small and need infusoria or finely crushed food in their early stages. Raise them separately from adult loaches to prevent predation.

• Group Behavior: Weather loaches are social and do well in groups. It's recommended to keep at least 2–3 loaches together, though they can live alone if necessary.
• Tankmates: Weather loaches are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish. Avoid keeping them with fin-nipping species or overly territorial fish.
• Tank Size: Although they can tolerate smaller tanks, providing a larger tank will ensure they have enough space to swim and burrow, which they enjoy.

Weather loaches are hardy, fascinating fish with great personalities. They are relatively easy to care for but do require attention to water quality and tank conditions. By providing them with a spacious tank, stable water conditions, a balanced diet, and plenty of places to explore, you'll have a long-term companion to enjoy. These active and social fish will bring joy to your aquarium for many years to come.

If you have any additional questions or need help with specific care concerns, feel free to reach out!