Loach species for fish egg control in a pond ??

[crsublette]

Howdy! First time reader, first time poster.

I have a friend with a pond full of rosey red minnows and comet goldfish. He told me that his weather loaches are eating the eggs and is the reason why he has never seen the minnows and goldfish multiply. I did a bit googling and found a Loach article on About.com freshwater aquariums. The diet section in this article indicates that the Weather Loach (Misgurnus angullicaudatus) is particular fond of fish eggs. I wanted more validation so I found this wonderful forum which will have all the answers to my questions about Loaches. No pressure.

I also found an online store for the Migurnus angullicaudatus (i.e., weather loach and dojo loach) at LiveAquariua. This was the only store I could find that sold Migurnus angullicaudatus. Anyone know if they have a good reputation or if there is another online store I should use buy from ??

I figure i'll have a pan, full of sand or small aquarium gravel or something, in the pond for the Loach to call home. Would this work ??

My water temperatures do get down in the high 40s so I need a cold hardy species. My friend told me that Migurnus angullicaudatus was what I was looking for. Is this correct?? Should I use some other loach species??

I am doing this for population control in my comet gold fish pond. I will also have one warmouth sunfish as well to eat any small fry that survive the Loaches.

What you do think ?? Am I completely off base here or should I go into another direction ??

This is for a 3000 gallon outdoor goldfish pond.

[Diana]

I think with temps that low the European Weather Loach might be a better choice.
http://www.loaches.com/species-index/misgurnus-fossilis

The more commonly available Dojo, or Weather Loach is from Asia.
http://www.loaches.com/species-index/we ... licaudatus

While there are reports of both species doing fine overwintering in ponds, it just might be the European Weather Loach that will handle your pond better. Both species are capable of surviving in the wild in temperate zones, so might be restricted in some countries or states.

[Batch]

Hey,
Yeah, i know this thread is old, but...

I've been keeping Misgurnus angullicaudatus in my small pond (~200ish gallons) for years. It gets cold enough that the pnd
ices over at least part of the winter here. Just give them something to dig into - sand or mud on the bottom and they should be happy. I've also pulled in potted pond plants to overwinter in the house, and discovered 9-10" loaches in the dirt when I repotted the plants in the spring (ie they lived in the mud of the pot all winter). Made me jump the first time it happened.

So I say - go for it.

Batch

[crsublette]

Very kool. Thank you all very much!!

I can't seem to find a retailer for Misgurnus fossilis.

Would anyone recommend a reputable online store for both or either species mentioned above, Misgurnus fossilis and Misgurnus anguillicaudatus ??

I have been told to check the big chain retail pet stores (PetsMart and PetCo), but they do not have any. Do you think they will special order for them ??

[NancyD]

Weather loaches are illegal in some states, I know Mass & Maine are 2. Check your state's fish & wildlife dept website (or similar) to be sure.

[Batch]

Very kool. Thank you all very much!!

I can't seem to find a retailer for Misgurnus fossilis.

Would anyone recommend a reputable online store for both or either species mentioned above, Misgurnus fossilis and Misgurnus anguillicaudatus ??

I have been told to check the big chain retail pet stores (PetsMart and PetCo), but they do not have any. Do you think they will special order for them ??

Check www.aquabid.com