Fin's Fish Guide
The Romanian golden loach (Sabanejewia romanica) is a freshwater fish of the family Cobitidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Fresh water of the Danube basin in Romania and surroundings, on gravel and sandy bottoms of fast-flowing rivers.
Description
The Romanian golden loach is a small, slender loach of the family Cobitidae reaching about 10 cm. The golden-yellow to beige body bears a row of large, dark blotches along the flank; barbels surround the inferior mouth, and beneath each eye sits a small, erectile spine, characteristic of the true spined loaches. The species is adapted to fast-flowing water and lives on gravel and sand bottoms of rivers in the Danube drainage of Romania and surroundings. By day it often lies half-buried among the grains; mainly at night it sifts insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms from the bottom. In spring it spawns among gravel and water plants. Because of its small size and hidden lifestyle it is rarely noticed and has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Romanian golden loach?
The Romanian golden loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Slender, golden small loach with a row of large dark blotches along the flank; beneath each eye a small, erectile spine.
Where does the Romanian golden loach live?
The Romanian golden loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of the Danube basin in Romania and surroundings, on gravel and sandy bottoms of fast-flowing rivers.
How big does the Romanian golden loach get?
The Romanian golden loach grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Romanian golden loach dangerous to humans?
No, the Romanian golden loach is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Romanian golden loach edible?
The Romanian golden loach is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Romanian golden loach?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Romanian golden loach is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sabanejewia
More from the family Cobitidae
Want the complete picture on the Romanian golden loach?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Romanian golden loach is one of 12,519 species in the app.