Fin's Fish Guide
Oriental weatherfish
The Oriental weatherfish (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cobitidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Originally East Asia, in slow-flowing to stagnant, muddy fresh water of rivers, ponds, ditches and rice fields.
Description
The Oriental weatherfish or pond loach is an eel-shaped loach of the family Cobitidae reaching about 28 cm. The brown-mottled, slimy body has an inferior mouth with ten barbels. A special adaptation is that the species can gulp air and take up oxygen through the gut, allowing it to survive warm, muddy and oxygen-poor waters and to burrow during drought. It becomes restless before a change in the weather, from which it gets its name 'weatherfish'. It is native to East Asia but has been released as a food and aquarium fish in Europe, North America and Australia, where it becomes locally invasive. As an omnivore it eats insect larvae, small crustaceans, worms, algae and detritus.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Oriental weatherfish?
The Oriental weatherfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Eel-shaped loach with ten barbels; can breathe air through the gut and becomes restless before a change in the weather (hence 'weather prophet').
Where does the Oriental weatherfish live?
The Oriental weatherfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Originally East Asia, in slow-flowing to stagnant, muddy fresh water of rivers, ponds, ditches and rice fields.
How big does the Oriental weatherfish get?
The Oriental weatherfish grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Oriental weatherfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Oriental weatherfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Oriental weatherfish edible?
Yes, the Oriental weatherfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Misgurnus
More from the family Cobitidae
Want the complete picture on the Oriental weatherfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Oriental weatherfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.