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Tigris loach (Oxynoemacheilus tigris) — Nemacheilidae

Tigris loach

Oxynoemacheilus tigris
Family: Nemacheilidae

The Tigris loach (Oxynoemacheilus tigris) is a freshwater fish of the family Nemacheilidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Türkiye

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Description

The Tigris loach is a small stone loach (Nemacheilidae) from fresh water of the Tigris-Euphrates basin in the Middle East. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, yellow-brown body with dark crossbars, barbels and small eyes. As a bottom-dweller it lives in clear, flowing streams and rivers and searches among gravel for insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tigris loach?

The Tigris loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Tigris loach live?

The Tigris loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Türkiye

How big does the Tigris loach get?

The Tigris loach grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Tigris loach dangerous to humans?

No, the Tigris 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
Tigris loach sourced
Scientific name
Oxynoemacheilus tigris
Family
Nemacheilidae
Other names
Tigris loach; Banded loach verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, 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 Oxynoemacheilus

More from the family Nemacheilidae

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