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Compact hillstream loach (Erromyzon compactus) — Balitoridae

Compact hillstream loach

Erromyzon compactus
Family: Balitoridae

The Compact hillstream loach (Erromyzon compactus) is a freshwater fish of the family Balitoridae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The compact hillstream loach is a hillstream loach (Gastromyzontidae) from fast-flowing fresh water of southern China. The species grows to about 6 cm and has an elongate, flattened, brown-mottled body with broad, horizontally spread pectoral and pelvic fins with which it clamps to stones like a sucker in wild current. With its inferior mouth it rasps algal film and biofilm from rocks. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Compact hillstream loach?

The Compact hillstream loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Compact hillstream loach live?

The Compact hillstream loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Compact hillstream loach get?

The Compact hillstream loach grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Compact hillstream loach dangerous to humans?

No, the Compact hillstream loach is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Compacte bergloach sourced
English name
Compact hillstream loach sourced
Scientific name
Erromyzon compactus
Family
Balitoridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Balitoridae

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