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Blind cave loach (Protocobitis typhlops) — Cobitidae

Blind cave loach

Protocobitis typhlops
Family: Cobitidae

The Blind cave loach (Protocobitis typhlops) is a freshwater fish of the family Cobitidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The blind cave loach is a true loach (Cobitidae) from underground streams and caves of southern China in East Asia. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, pale to translucent body without functional eyes, with barbels around the mouth, fully adapted to life in darkness. As a bottom-dweller it feels over rock and sediment and snaps at small invertebrates and organic matter. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blind cave loach?

The Blind cave loach has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.

Where does the Blind cave loach live?

The Blind cave loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Blind cave loach get?

The Blind cave loach grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Blind cave loach dangerous to humans?

No, the Blind cave loach is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blinde grotmodderkruiper sourced
English name
Blind cave loach sourced
Scientific name
Protocobitis typhlops
Family
Cobitidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
6 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Cobitidae

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