Fin's Fish Guide
The Balkan loach (Sabanejewia balcanica) is a freshwater fish of the family Cobitidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Fresh water of the Balkan Peninsula and the Danube basin, on gravel and sandy bottoms of flowing rivers and streams.
Description
The Balkan loach is a small, slender loach of the family Cobitidae reaching about 9 cm. The yellow-brown body bears a row of dark blotches along the flank; barbels surround the inferior mouth, and beneath each eye sits a small, erectile spine, characteristic of the true spined loaches. The species is adapted to flowing water and lives on gravel and sand bottoms of rivers and streams of the Balkan Peninsula and the Danube drainage. By day it often lies half-buried among the grains; 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 and hidden lifestyle it is rarely noticed and has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Balkan loach?
The Balkan loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Small, slender loach with a row of dark blotches along the flank; under each eye a small, erectile spine, typical of the true loaches.
Where does the Balkan loach live?
The Balkan loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of the Balkan Peninsula and the Danube basin, on gravel and sandy bottoms of flowing rivers and streams.
How big does the Balkan loach get?
The Balkan loach grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Balkan loach dangerous to humans?
No, the Balkan loach is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Balkan loach edible?
The Balkan loach is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Balkan loach?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Balkan loach is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sabanejewia
More from the family Cobitidae
Want the complete picture on the Balkan loach?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Balkan loach is one of 12,519 species in the app.