Fin's Fish Guide
The Hasselt's loach (Lepidocephalichthys hasselti) is a freshwater fish of the family Cobitidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Description
Hasselt's loach is a small loach from Southeast Asia, widely distributed from India and Indochina to Indonesia. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, light brown body with fine markings, barbels around the mouth and a small, erectile spine below the eye. As a bottom-dweller it roots in sand and mud of rice fields, ditches and calm rivers for small invertebrates and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hasselt's loach?
The Hasselt's loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small barbels and an erectile suborbital spine; roots in sand
Where does the Hasselt's loach live?
The Hasselt's loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast Asia
How big does the Hasselt's loach get?
The Hasselt's loach grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Hasselt's loach dangerous to humans?
No, the Hasselt's 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 Hasselt's loach edible?
The Hasselt's 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 Lepidocephalichthys
More from the family Cobitidae
Want the complete picture on the Hasselt's loach?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hasselt's loach is one of 12,519 species in the app.