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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Northern Focus Weather Desk. Data from Environment and Climate Change Canada and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
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The weather loach, also known as the pond loach or dojo loach, is a hardy freshwater fish famous for its barometric sensitivity—it becomes noticeably active before a storm, making it a living barometer for your aquarium.
What is a weather loach and how big does it get?
Native to East Asia, the weather loach is a slender, eel-like bottom-dweller that typically reaches a weather loach size of 15 to 25 centimetres in captivity, though some can grow up to 30 centimetres in spacious ponds. Its small, fleshy barbels around the mouth help it forage for food in the substrate. With proper weather loach care, these fish can live 7 to 10 years, and sometimes longer—a solid weather loach lifespan for a community tank resident.
What does a weather loach eat and what tank conditions does it need?
In the wild, they are omnivorous scavengers. For weather loach food, offer sinking pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and blanched vegetables like zucchini. They thrive in a weather loach tank size of at least 75 litres (20 gallons) for a small group, with soft, sandy substrate to protect their barbels. The ideal weather loach temperature range is 18–25°C, though they can tolerate cooler water. They are social fish and do best in groups of three or more. If you are looking for weather loach for sale, check with reputable local aquarium shops or online specialty breeders.
Can weather loaches live outdoors in Canada?
Yes, in mild coastal regions like Vancouver, they can survive winter in a deep, unfrozen pond. In colder areas, they must be brought indoors or kept in a heated aquarium to avoid lethal temperatures.
Why is my weather loach swimming erratically?
Erratic swimming often signals a change in barometric pressure, indicating an approaching storm. It can also be a sign of poor water quality or stress, so check ammonia and nitrite levels in your tank.
Do weather loaches get along with other fish?
Generally yes—they are peaceful and do well with other calm community fish like tetras, danios, and corydoras. Avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Sources
For more on how local weather affects your aquarium, visit our Canada weather hub or check the Vancouver Weather page for coastal conditions. If you are keeping loaches in a colder region, our Calgary Weather page can help you plan for temperature swings.