spined loach

Cobitis taenia

Loach of the Atlantic Ocean

Temperate
Upper river
Transcontinental
Freshwater fish
Atlantic Ocean
Europe
Elongated
Small
Temperate fish

The spined loach (Cobitis taenia) is a common freshwater fish in Europe. It is sometimes known as the spotted weather loach, not to be confused with the "typical" weather loaches of the genus Misgurnus. This is the type species of the spiny loach genus (Cobitis) and the true loach family (Cobitidae).

Class: Teleosts
Order: Minnows, Carps, and Loaches
Family: Cobitidae
Genus: Cobitis
Maximum length: 13.5 cm
Water: Freshwater
Body shape: elongated
Distribution: Europe and Asia: Atlantic drainages from Loire northward; Baltic basin south of 61°N; upper olga and Ural drainages; northern Black Sea basin (except Danube). Ancient records from Ardour and Garonne drainages in France require confirmation (Ref. 59043 ).
Conservation status: LCLeast Concern

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