Fin's Fish Guide
The Ayumodoki (Parabotia curtus) is a freshwater fish of the family Botiidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The kissing loach is a loach (Botiidae) endemic to Japan. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, yellow-brown body with dark crossbars and barbels around the mouth. It inhabits calm parts of rivers, ditches and paddy fields with a muddy bottom and depends strongly on traditional paddy-field irrigation for breeding. On the bottom it searches with its barbels for small invertebrates, worms and organic material. Owing to habitat loss the species is regarded as critically endangered. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ayumodoki?
The Ayumodoki has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Japanese weatherfish, dependent on rice-paddy irrigation; critically endangered through habitat loss.
Where does the Ayumodoki live?
The Ayumodoki lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Japan; calm rivers, ditches and rice fields.
How big does the Ayumodoki get?
The Ayumodoki grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Ayumodoki dangerous to humans?
No, the Ayumodoki is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Ayumodoki edible?
The Ayumodoki is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Parabotia
More from the family Botiidae
Want the complete picture on the Ayumodoki?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ayumodoki is one of 12,519 species in the app.