Spined Loach

The Spined Loach is a member of the family Cobitidae found across temperate Europe from England to Central Asia. Its name refers to a small bifid spine below the eye that erects when the fish is stressed. The body is marked with a row of dark blotches and spots along the flanks on a pale cream-yellow ground.

This species is a specialist substrate-dweller that spends much of its time partially buried in fine sand, with only the head visible. It is most active at night, foraging for small invertebrates among the substrate particles.

Cobitis taenia is legally protected in many European countries, so specimens offered for sale should come from registered breeders or captive-bred sources.

Water: 5–20°C, pH 6.5–8.0, GH 5–18; clean, well-oxygenated water; cool temperature essential. Tank: minimum 60 L, very fine soft sand substrate at least 5 cm deep for burrowing. Feeding: omnivore — sinking micro-pellets, frozen cyclops, daphnia, small bloodworm pieces. Breeding: spawns over sand in spring; eggs partially buried; rarely achieved in captivity. Compatibility: peaceful; compatible with other small, non-aggressive European coldwater species.