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Longfin loach (Vaillantella euepiptera) — Vaillantellidae

Longfin loach

Vaillantella euepiptera

The Longfin loach (Vaillantella euepiptera) is a freshwater fish of the family Vaillantellidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Brunei Darsm, Indonesia, Malaysia

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Description

The longfin loach is a loach (Vaillantellidae) from fast-flowing, clear fresh water of Sundaland in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, elongate, brownish body with a strikingly very long dorsal fin that runs almost to the deeply forked tail, and barbels around the mouth. As a bottom-dweller it lives among roots and leaf litter of forest streams and snaps at insect larvae and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longfin loach?

The Longfin loach has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Longfin loach live?

The Longfin loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Brunei Darsm, Indonesia, Malaysia

How big does the Longfin loach get?

The Longfin loach grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Longfin loach dangerous to humans?

No, the Longfin 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Longfin loach sourced
Scientific name
Vaillantella euepiptera
Family
Vaillantellidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Brunei Darsm, Indonesia, Malaysia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

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