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.
Where does the Hasselt's loach live?
The Hasselt's loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
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.
Is the Hasselt's loach edible?
The Hasselt's loach is not usually eaten.
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Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Lepidocephalichthys
More from the family Cobitidae
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