Fin's Fish Guide
The Stone loach (Barbatula barbatula) is a freshwater fish of the family Nemacheilidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Widespread in fresh water of Europe and North Asia, in clean, flowing streams, rivers and clear lakes with a sandy or gravel bottom.
Description
The stone loach is a small, slender bottom fish of the family Nemacheilidae reaching about 18 cm but usually smaller. The elongate, brownish mottled body has a rounded tail, and around the downturned mouth stand six barbels with which the fish searches for food by touch. The species lives hidden under stones on the sand and gravel bed of clean, flowing streams, rivers and clear lakes in Europe and northern Asia, and is regarded as an indicator of good water quality. Mainly at night it hunts insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms. In spring it spawns; the sticky eggs are laid on stones and plants. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Stone loach?
The Stone loach has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small, slender bottom-dwelling fish with six barbels around the mouth and a brownish marbled skin; lives hidden under stones in clean, flowing water.
Where does the Stone loach live?
The Stone loach lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Widespread in fresh water of Europe and North Asia, in clean, flowing streams, rivers and clear lakes with a sandy or gravel bottom.
How big does the Stone loach get?
The Stone loach grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Stone loach dangerous to humans?
No, the Stone loach is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Stone loach edible?
The Stone loach is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
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Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Barbatula
More from the family Nemacheilidae
Want the complete picture on the Stone loach?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Stone loach is one of 12,519 species in the app.