Fish
Spined Loach
Cobitis taenia
On the sandy bed of a quiet stream, a spined loach lies buried with only its eyes and head showing, a hidden spine folded under each eye.
Overview
The spined loach, Cobitis taenia, is a Least Concern loach of sandy streams, rivers, and ponds across Europe and parts of Asia. Its eye spines, buried daytime life, and gut-breathing make it one of the most secretive of European freshwater fish.
A fish with a hidden weapon
The spine below each eye of a spined loach lies folded out of sight until the fish is threatened, when it can be raised to make the loach awkward to swallow.
Status
Least Concern, though local populations are sensitive to pollution.
Spined Loach: common questions
What is the spine on a spined loach?
It is a small, forked, erectile spine below each eye, which the fish can raise as a defence against predators.
How does the spined loach hide?
It buries itself in sand by day, with only its head showing, and comes out to feed at night.
Can a spined loach breathe air?
Yes, it can gulp air at the surface and absorb oxygen through its gut, which helps it survive in poorly oxygenated water.
Where is the spined loach found?
It lives in sandy streams, rivers, and ponds across Europe and parts of Asia.