Oriental weatherfish
About This Species
Oriental weatherfish (Pond loach, Weather loach, Dojo) is an eel-like freshwater fish. They are a widespread invasive species in North American freshwater systems introduced from its native range in Asia.
Oriental weatherfish feed on aquatic insects, and compete with native fish for food, habitat, and spawning sites. They are a very hardy fish, capable of living in waters ranging between temperatures of 2-30 °C, and able to breathe air when in low-oxygen environments. During droughts, this fish buries itself in mud and can survive for up to three months without feeding. Oriental weatherfish are designated as a Provincial EDRR species by the BC Provincial Priority Invasive Species List.
How to Identify
Adult Oriental weatherfish vary in size from 10-25 cm in length. They have a long-eel-like body with greenish-brown spots along the back and a silver belly. They have six barbels (whiskers) around their mouth. Their pectoral fins have a short spine running along the front side.
Take Action
Prevention is the best approach.
- Aquariums & Water Gardens Factsheet PDF
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If you need advice about invasive species on your property or you are concerned about reported invasives in your local area, contact your local government or regional invasive species organization.
PREVENTION TIPS
It is illegal to possess, breed, release, sell, or transport live Oriental weatherfish in BC. The use of live finfish as bait is strictly prohibited in BC.
Don't Let It Loose
Learn about best practices
Invasive species are plants, animals or other organisms that are not native to BC, and have serious impacts on our environment, economy and society. Never release your plants and animals into the wild or dump aquariums or water garden debris into rivers, streams, lakes or storm sewers!
Clean, Drain, Dry
Learn about best practices
The Clean Drain Dry program empowers you to help reduce the spread of invasive plants and organisms to BC waters by following the clean, drain, dry procedure on all watercraft and equipment.
REPORT TO PROTECT BC’S BIODIVERSITY
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Observe and report to protect BC’s biodiversity
Report through this website
Use our form to tell us what you’re seeing and where.
