Fin's Fish Guide
The Eightbarbel loach (Lefua echigonia) is a freshwater fish of the family Nemacheilidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The eightbarbel loach is a stone loach (Nemacheilidae) from Japan. The species is small and has an elongate, brownish body with a dark lengthwise stripe and, characteristically, eight barbels around the mouth. It inhabits calm, shallow waters such as paddy-field ditches, ponds, swamps and slow-flowing vegetated streams. On the bottom it searches with its barbels for small invertebrates, insect larvae and detritus. Owing to loss of this habitat it is under pressure in Japan. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Eightbarbel loach?
The Eightbarbel loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Eight barbels around the mouth; inhabits rice field ditches and vegetated streams in Japan.
Where does the Eightbarbel loach live?
The Eightbarbel loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Japan; quiet shallow ditches, ponds and vegetated streams.
How big does the Eightbarbel loach get?
The Eightbarbel loach grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Eightbarbel loach dangerous to humans?
No, the Eightbarbel loach is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Eightbarbel loach edible?
The Eightbarbel loach 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 Lefua
More from the family Nemacheilidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Eightbarbel loach is one of 12,519 species in the app.