Fin's Fish Guide
The Chinese muddy loach (Misgurnus mizolepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cobitidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Chinese weatherfish is a loach of the family Cobitidae from East Asia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, eel-like, yellow-brown body with barbels around the mouth. It inhabits muddy bottoms of rice fields, ponds, ditches and slow-flowing waters. As a detritivore and bottom searcher it roots with its barbels for detritus, algae, worms and insect larvae. Loaches can breathe gut air and burrow deep into the mud to survive periods of drought or oxygen shortage; they also react to changes in air pressure, hence the name 'weatherfish'. The species is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chinese muddy loach?
The Chinese muddy loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Breathes air through the gut and burrows into the mud; responds to air pressure ('weather fish').
Where does the Chinese muddy loach live?
The Chinese muddy loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Asia; muddy rice fields, ponds, ditches and slow-flowing waters.
How big does the Chinese muddy loach get?
The Chinese muddy loach grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 17 cm.
Is the Chinese muddy loach dangerous to humans?
No, the Chinese muddy loach is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Chinese muddy loach edible?
Yes, the Chinese muddy loach is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Misgurnus
More from the family Cobitidae
Want the complete picture on the Chinese muddy loach?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chinese muddy loach is one of 12,519 species in the app.