Fin's Fish Guide
The Vardar spined loach (Cobitis vardarensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cobitidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The Vardar spined loach is a small loach (Cobitidae) from fresh and slightly brackish water of the Vardar basin in the Balkans of southeastern Europe. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a slender, yellow-brown body with rows of dark blotches and a small erectile spine below the eye. As a bottom-dweller it lives on soft bottoms of rivers and streams and searches for small invertebrates and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Vardar spined loach?
The Vardar spined loach has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Vardar spined loach live?
The Vardar spined loach lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Europe: Greece, Türkiye, North Macedonia
How big does the Vardar spined loach get?
The Vardar spined loach grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Vardar spined loach dangerous to humans?
No, the Vardar spined 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.
More photos
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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 Vardar spined loach?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Vardar spined loach is one of 12,519 species in the app.