Question on the Chinese Weather Loach

[SynME]

I have been doing some reading on what additional fish to get for my aquarium (75 ga.). I have plenty of fish inches to play with (~30) and wanted a couple larger fish. I have about 10 Plattys and a Japanese Ornamental Goldfish. All are quite peaceful and I want to keep it that way.

After reading around, I really wanted to get a couple Weather Loaches. Unfortunately, I discovered that ownership of the standard Weather Loach (Misgurnis anguillicaudatus) is illegal in the state of Oregon. Lovely, that. However, after reading through the list of banned species, they make no mention of the Chinese Weather Loach (Misgurnis mizolepis). Both fish seem quite similar in temperament, requirements, etc.

Is the Chinese Weather Loach truly considered a separate species and, if so, where can I get a pair?
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[Felhad]

It should be considered a different species i'd think. I would check online retailers to try to find it if your LFS wont carry them.

Golden Dojo Loach:
http://www.petsolutions.com/Gold-Dojo-L ... 0+C79.aspx

Also, look into the Kuhli Loach:
http://www.petsolutions.com/Kuhli-Loach+I69330+C79.aspx

[Emma Turner]

It should be considered a different species i'd think. I would check online retailers to try to find it if your LFS wont carry them.

Golden Dojo Loach:
http://www.petsolutions.com/Gold-Dojo-L ... 0+C79.aspx

Also, look into the Kuhli Loach:
http://www.petsolutions.com/Kuhli-Loach+I69330+C79.aspx

The golden dojo is the xanthic form of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, so if it's banned in Oregon, then these won't be allowed either.

With regards to the kuhlis, I'm afraid these would not actually be a very good idea with goldfish, which will see them as food.

Good luck with your search for another Misgurnus species.

Emma

[SynME]

I'm not worried about my goldfish seeing other fish as food. He has a rather colorful background, and is an exceptionally peaceful fish who spends much of his time just floating and bumping his nose on the glass. Probably mental retardation from his early years and habitat.

I just talked to one place and the lady's first reaction when I mentioned the Chinese Weather Loach was, "Oh, that's a nasty fish!" Ooook. How so? Well, I got her to tell me they will harrase the other fish in the tank, which seems to contradict the "very peaceful fish" claim in the species review on this site. Perhaps with other loaches? Hmm...

Ok... new question. I didn't mention I have an unheated tank. Hence a good majority of the loaches available would turn belly-up in my tank. Are there any cold-water loaches of good size out there that can tollerate temps of 65-68 F?

[Martin Thoene]

These Chinese loaches will live happily in those temperatures:

http://www.loaches.com/species-index/pi ... de-stripes

You may find them difficult to get hold of though. Mainly Sinibotia pulchra is the one that gets imported.

Martin.