Fin's Fish Guide
The Aral spined loach (Sabanejewia aurata) is a freshwater fish of the family Cobitidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Fresh water of Eastern Europe and West Asia, in the basins around the Black and Caspian Seas, on sandy and gravel bottoms of flowing rivers.
Description
The golden spined loach is a small, slender loach of the family Cobitidae reaching about 14 cm. The golden-yellow to beige body bears a row of large, dark blotches along the flank and a row along the back; barbels surround the inferior mouth, and beneath each eye sits a small, erectile spine, characteristic of the true spined loaches. The species lives on sand and gravel bottoms of flowing rivers in the fresh water of eastern Europe and western Asia, around the Black and Caspian Sea drainages. By day it often lies half-buried; mainly at night it sifts insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms from the bottom. In spring it spawns among water plants and gravel. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Aral spined loach?
The Aral spined loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Slender, golden small loach with a row of large dark blotches along the flank and a row along the back; beneath each eye a small, erectile spine.
Where does the Aral spined loach live?
The Aral spined loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of Eastern Europe and West Asia, in the basins around the Black and Caspian Seas, on sandy and gravel bottoms of flowing rivers.
How big does the Aral spined loach get?
The Aral spined loach grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Aral spined loach dangerous to humans?
No, the Aral spined loach is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Aral spined loach edible?
The Aral spined loach is not usually eaten.
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Same genus Sabanejewia
More from the family Cobitidae
Want the complete picture on the Aral spined loach?
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