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Scaleless loach (Paraschistura alepidota) — Nemacheilidae

Scaleless loach

Paraschistura alepidota
Family: Nemacheilidae

The Scaleless loach (Paraschistura alepidota) is a freshwater fish of the family Nemacheilidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Afghanistan, China, Pakistan

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Description

The scaleless loach is a stone loach (Nemacheilidae) from fast-flowing fresh water of southwest Asia. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, almost scaleless, brown-speckled body with small barbels around the mouth. As a bottom-dweller it lives among gravel and stones of clear streams and rivers and snaps at insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Scaleless loach?

The Scaleless loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Scaleless loach live?

The Scaleless loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Afghanistan, China, Pakistan

How big does the Scaleless loach get?

The Scaleless loach grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Scaleless loach dangerous to humans?

No, the Scaleless loach is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Scaleless loach sourced
Scientific name
Paraschistura alepidota
Family
Nemacheilidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
6
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Afghanistan, China, Pakistan sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Activity
Nocturnal
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Paraschistura

More from the family Nemacheilidae

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