Fin's Fish Guide
The Beautiful loach (Traccatichthys pulcher) is a brackish-water fish of the family Nemacheilidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The beautiful loach is a small loach from fresh and brackish water of southern China and Vietnam. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate body with a striking dark longitudinal stripe and fine markings. With its barbels it searches the bottom of clear streams and small rivers for insect larvae, small crustaceans and aufwuchs. The fish is harmless to humans and appears in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Beautiful loach?
The Beautiful loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Elongate body with a dark longitudinal stripe; bottom-foraging mud loach
Where does the Beautiful loach live?
The Beautiful loach lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southern China and Vietnam
How big does the Beautiful loach get?
The Beautiful loach grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Beautiful loach dangerous to humans?
No, the Beautiful loach is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Beautiful loach edible?
The Beautiful loach is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Traccatichthys
More from the family Nemacheilidae
Want the complete picture on the Beautiful loach?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Beautiful loach is one of 12,519 species in the app.