Shy Dojo loach

[Lotus]

I just got a dojo loach for the tank. So far s/he has been pretty shy. There are plenty of hiding places, and I am hoping he will get a little bolder soon. Does anyone have any experience with them?

I noticed there isn't a profile on them on the site, so I went and checked other sites But I didn't really find out if they tend to be shy when you first get them.

I know the one I chose (the most active) turned out to be the one that wouldn't be caught, so I got a less zippy one. It's a community 65g tank, and he has nothing to fear


Any ideas?

 

[ducksarefun]

Fish are often shy/nervous when first moved into a new tank. They have to get used to the tank, tankmates, and even movement outside the tank. Loaches can be particularly shy, and are mostly nocturnal, so they often don't move around much at first. I have a new zebra loach, and at first he hid a lot, but now he is always out in the morning and evening. Loaches are great!
Oh, and by the way, there are profiles for dojos (weather loaches) and other species on the way!!

 

[TaffyFish]

Firstly, yes you should just give them a little time, my dojo is very active during the day even though their eyesight is poor (which is usually an indicator of being nocturnal).

Secondly, you should consider gettting a second, they are so much more amusing when interacting.

I got a pair of around 3" and one prospered, put on a lot of weight (girth) and was quite inactive whilst the other was always zipping about the tank but put hardly any weight on at all. I put them in my coldwater tank with four fancy goldfish and I swear they are keeping the poop levels right down.

Anyway the most active one suddenly died on me, no idea what the problem was but guessed at internal parasites from the fact that he ate tons but never put any weight on. The other has become more active since mosing his "mate" but does like to get away from the goldies by hiding in a plastic tube I hid away round the back of the tank.

Finally, don't forget to secure your tank, they are well known escape artists!

 

[Lotus]

Update on dojo

The dojo did get a little bit less shy, but he still didn't seem to be grooving in the tank.

So, I moved him into my new 18g, where he is very happy. He is swimming around and having fishy fun.

I have a feeling the clown loaches and pleco in the 65g were cramping his style (although I don't think anyone was actively bothering him).

I have heard about dojo's being little Houdinis, so he has a nice secure hood.