Stone loach

D-Bachschmerle; GB-Stone loach; DK-Smerling; PL-Śliz; LT-Šlyžys; LV-Bārdainais akmeņgrauzis; EST-Trulling; RU-Усатый голец; FIN-Kivennuoliainen; S-Grönling

Characters

1) Mouth opening small and inferior with 3 pairs of barbels on maxilla.
2) Nasal opening elongated like a tube.
●) Back and sides with irregular dark spotches.
●) Abdomen often whitish.
●) Body elongated and almost round.
Often about 8 to 12 cm, max. 16 cm length.

Similar species

Spined loach - head laterally compressed (almost round in cross-section in stone loach); erectable two-pointed spine below eye.

Weather loach - distinct dark band on flank; 5 pairs of barbels; erectable two-pointed spine below eye.

Biology

Nocturnal, bottom living, in smaller fast-flowing waters with stony and gravel grounds. Spawning season in spring between March and Mai; laid eggs are watched by the male. Short living, often only about 6 years.

Diet

They feed on bottom living small invertebrates.

Importance

Partially used as bait fish and of small importance as food fish.

Endangerment

Presumably not endangered.