Spined Loach (Cobitis taenia)

Fish in the family Cobitidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameCobitis taenia

FamilyCobitidae

Also known asSpotted Weatherfish, European Spined Loach

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful

Dietomnivore

Adult size4.5 in

Minimum tank size20 gallons

Water parametersTemp 50-72°F, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 8-18 dGH

Appearance

Slender pale body with a row of dark blotches along the midline and finer spots; a tiny erectile spine below each eye.

Difficulty and care for the Spined Loach

Moderate

Origin and habitat

Europe and western Asia

Keeper notes

Peaceful temperate sand-sifting loach; social and best in a group of 5+. May eat small shrimp or fry.

Log Spined Loach in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Spined Loach alongside everything else in your reef.

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