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Splendid spined loach (Cobitis splendens) — Cobitidae

Splendid spined loach

Cobitis splendens
Family: Cobitidae

The Splendid spined loach (Cobitis splendens) is a freshwater fish of the family Cobitidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
10.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–200 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Türkiye

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Description

The splendid spined loach is a loach (Cobitidae) from slow-flowing and still fresh water of East Asia. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, elongate, sandy body with rows of 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, often with the body half-buried. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Splendid spined loach?

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

Where does the Splendid spined loach live?

The Splendid spined loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Türkiye

How big does the Splendid spined loach get?

The Splendid spined loach grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Splendid spined loach dangerous to humans?

No, the Splendid spined 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
Splendid spined loach sourced
Scientific name
Cobitis splendens
Family
Cobitidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.5 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
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
200 verified
Natural range
Asia: Türkiye 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

Same genus Cobitis

More from the family Cobitidae

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