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Shortband loach (Kichulchoia brevifasciata) — Cobitidae

Shortband loach

Kichulchoia brevifasciata
Family: Cobitidae

The Shortband loach (Kichulchoia brevifasciata) 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
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Korea (South)

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Description

The Shortband loach is a loach (Cobitidae) from slow-flowing and still fresh water of Korea in East Asia. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, elongate, sandy body with dark spots, barbels around the mouth and a small, erectable spine below the eye. As a bottom-dweller it roots through sand and mud searching for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Shortband loach?

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

Where does the Shortband loach live?

The Shortband loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Korea (South)

How big does the Shortband loach get?

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

Is the Shortband loach dangerous to humans?

No, the Shortband 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
Shortband loach sourced
Scientific name
Kichulchoia brevifasciata
Family
Cobitidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Korea (South) 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

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
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

More from the family Cobitidae

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