Spined loach

D-Steinbeißer; GB-Spined loach; DK-Pigsmerling; PL-Koza pospolita; LT-Kirtiklis; LV-Akmeņgrauzis; EST-Harilik hink; RU-Обыкновенная щиповка; FIN-Rantanuoliainen; S-Nissöga

Characters

1) Three pairs of barbels around mouth opening.
2) Erectable two-pointed spine below eye.
●) Body elongated and laterally compressed.
●) Back and sides marmorated brownish-yellowish, abdomen often slighlty lighter.
Often 5 to 8 cm, max. 9,5 cm length.

Similar species

Weather loach - 5 pairs of barbels; distinct dark band on flank; usually bigger.

Stone loach - no erectable two-pointed spine below eye; head in cross-section round (vs. laterally flattened in spined loach).

Biology

Nocturnal, solitary, bottom living; during day time often burried in sand of clear, slow-flowing or standing water bodies. During spawning season they lay their eggs over sand or plants.

Diet

While searching for bottom living organisms they also take up sand, which they chew and disgorge through the gills.

Importance

Of no commercial importance.

Endangerment

Presumably not endangered.