Fin's Fish Guide
The Spine loach (Cobitis taenia) is a freshwater fish of the family Cobitidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Widespread in fresh water of Europe, in slow-flowing rivers, ditches and lakes with a soft bottom.
Description
The spined loach is a small, slender bottom fish of the family Cobitidae reaching about 13 cm but usually smaller. The worm-like, slightly compressed body is yellow-brown with a row of dark blotches along the lateral line and fine mottling. Around the downturned mouth are short barbels with which the fish searches for food by touch; below the eye sits a small erectile spine. The species lives in slow-flowing rivers, ditches and lakes with a soft sand or silt bottom in Europe, where it buries itself by day and is active at night. It eats small bottom animals that it sifts from the sediment with its mouth. It is regarded as an indicator of clean waters.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spine loach?
The Spine loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, worm-shaped bottom-dwelling fish with a row of dark blotches along the flank, barbels around the mouth and an erectile spine under the eye.
Where does the Spine loach live?
The Spine loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Widespread in fresh water of Europe, in slow-flowing rivers, ditches and lakes with a soft bottom.
How big does the Spine loach get?
The Spine loach grows to a maximum of about 14 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Spine loach dangerous to humans?
No, the Spine loach is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spine loach edible?
The Spine loach is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Spine loach and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cobitis
More from the family Cobitidae
Want the complete picture on the Spine loach?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spine loach is one of 12,519 species in the app.