We received beautiful weather loaches via Hongkong. The genus is characterized by the existence of ten barbels around the mouth. The funny name „weather loach“ was given in medieval times, when these loaches were kept in captivity as weather prophets. These fish breath not only via gills but have an additional breathing technique. When the oxygen content of the water is low the loaches take air from the water surface and press it through the intestine. During that way the air is deprived from the oxygen. When the air pressure is sinking before bad weather, stagnat waters with a high amount of dirt – typical habitats of Misgurnus – begin to stink, because the oxygen content of the water sinks. Now the weather loaches become nervous and often come to the water surface to take a breath. In clean aquaria this effect doesn´t appear, so the fish are of no use as weather prophets there. Weather loaches become 15-20 cm long.
Misgurnus are very peaceful and have an anormous tolerance for water temperatures. They bear – over the year – temperatures between 4 and 30°C. Freshly caught fish are pretty sensitive, what is typical for fish from waters with a high content of organic waste, but once they have adopted the live in our clean aquaria they are hardy and long living inhabitants.
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus originates from China and can survive here in Central Europe the whole year through under outdoor conditions. So it is important to take care that these fish cannnot escape.
For our customers: the fish have code 431112 on our stocklist. Pease note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
