Weather Loach compatability ?

[Jules]

Hi folks

New member after recently acquiring some Golden Zebra Loaches and am quite smitten with Loaches as a rule.

I have a 63l litre tank which currently houses 4 Sewellia Lineolata and 6 Rhinogbius Wui. I was looking to add 3 Dojo's to this set up being as they enjoy a lower temperature but am concerned about the Rhinogobius potentially becoming a snack for the Dojo's and general compatability issues possibly arising ? Also, the potential size that the Dojo's can reach is a possible issue.

Any thoughts gratefully received !!

Jules

[Dojosmama]

Here in the U.S., most of us are familiar with expressing our tank sizes in gallons instead of liters. If you could indicate what size your tank is in gallonage, I would have a better idea of how to advise you as to its size versus the size dojos will grow.

I'm not familiar with the fish species you're concerned about, but I can generally say that dojos fare best in community tanks wherein the inhabitants are all peaceful. You were concerned about the dojo eating its tankmate -- are you talking about a snail? Some dojos do eat snails, others won't.

It might be more helpful to use vernacular instead of Latin scientific names, as most of us are more familiar with the common names of species.

-- Dojosmama

[Jules]

My apologies Dojosmama

63L amounts to either 13 UK gallons or 16 US gallons. I'm seriously doubting having the Dojos due to the size of the tank and the size they can seemingly get to according to my current reading. According to the info on here, the minimum tank length should be 36" when juvenile whereas mine is 24". It would seem that I have answered my own question !!!!!!

Rhinogobius Wui are White Cheeked Gobies and the Sewellia Lineolata is more probably known as the Borneo Sucker. Both of these are peaceful species; the loaches will have the odd pop at one another but nothing ever serious. My concern was the Dojo potentially munching on the Gobies being as they are small in comparasion to the Dojo's and not having much experience of Loach behaviour.

The tank runs at 22 degrees which the Dojos would appear to be happy in but due to the size factor I really do think I will give these guys a miss for the time being.

Many thanks

[Diana]

You are right, that small a tank is not a good home for the Dojo Loach. If you want a long, thin loach, Kuhlies are better for that tank size, but need warmer water than your current Loaches, so you would have to get another tank and keep it warmer.

[Jules]

Thanks Diana

Goes to show that you need to do your extended reading before asking questions !!! The temperate tank will stay as it is.

One other thing I would ask; do all species of Loaches click when feeding or when excited ? I had read that Clowns do but not on the others. I've recently acquired some Golden Zebras and although they are juveniles, these guys click away like anything !!! A truly lovely looking Loach and very active !!!

Many thanks

[redshark1]

A truly lovely looking Loach

Pictures please! I'd like the opportunity to agree with you!

[Diana]

I know Clown Loaches are not the only ones that click, but I do not know which ones do.
I am more familiar with catfish clicking, and that can be really loud!

[Jules]

Hi Redshark

As much as I would like to post some pics, it would appear that you simply cannot do it just from an attachment held on the PC so I shall have to play around and see what I come up with.

Incidently, one of the smaller loaches (I have a small shoal of 5 at the moment and hoping to increase that shortly) does appear to be different in the body striping compared to the others. Their black bands are solid whereas this one appears to have the lighter colouring within the band (if that makes sense ? ) So, not entirely convinced this one is a Golden Zebra although he is golden in colour. Have read that the juveniles differ quite a bit to the adults and that various markings appear with each fish. We shall see......

Anyway, bear with me re the pics....

Jules

[Jules]

Hi Diana

Think I can safely vouch that Golden Zebra certainly click; wondered what the blazes it was at first as I didn't expect it to be honest !! Thought it was something being tapped on the glass and then the penny dropped, after watching the Loaches closely for a while.....

I can see now why people find these fish so endearing....!!

Jules

[Jules]

Golden Zebras......

http://1150.photobucket.com/albums/o606/jules145/