Spined Loach (Cobitis taenia)
Cobitis taenia
Origin: Europe (captive bred)
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Min Tank
- 200 L
- Lifespan
- 4-6
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- Peaceful; nocturnal; compatible with all native and cool-water pond species.
About
The Spined Loach (Cobitis taenia) is a small, protected-status European loach with a beautifully patterned brown and cream body and a distinctive erectile spine below each eye as a defensive adaptation. It burrows into fine pond substrate during the day and emerges at night to forage for invertebrates. Captive-bred specimens are available for pond conservation projects and naturalistic biotope ponds.
Care Guide
Provide a deep, fine sand or silt substrate for burrowing. Maintain excellent water quality in cool, well-oxygenated conditions (4–20°C). Feed sinking micro pellets, frozen bloodworm, and Tubifex. Compatible with native pond species and other cool-water species. A protected wild species in many countries — purchase only captive-bred specimens. Largely nocturnal.
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