Fin's Fish Guide
The Kura loach (Oxynoemacheilus brandtii) is a freshwater fish of the family Nemacheilidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Fresh water of the Kura and Aras basins in the South Caucasus, in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel and stony bottoms.
Description
The Kura loach is a small, slender stone loach of the family Nemacheilidae reaching about 8 cm. The elongate, brown-mottled body has an inferior mouth with three pairs of barbels, with which the fish searches the bottom by touch. The species is endemic to the fresh water of the Kura and Aras drainage in the South Caucasus, where it lives in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel and stone bottoms. By day it shelters among stones; mainly at night it hunts insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms. In spring it spawns among gravel and stones. Because of its small size and hidden lifestyle it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Kura loach?
The Kura loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small, slender loach with three pairs of barbels around the inferior mouth; brown marbled, adapted to life among stones on the bottom.
Where does the Kura loach live?
The Kura loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of the Kura and Aras basins in the South Caucasus, in clear, flowing rivers and streams with gravel and stony bottoms.
How big does the Kura loach get?
The Kura loach grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Kura loach dangerous to humans?
No, the Kura loach is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Kura loach edible?
The Kura loach is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Oxynoemacheilus
More from the family Nemacheilidae
Want the complete picture on the Kura loach?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Kura loach is one of 12,519 species in the app.