Chinese spiny loach

Care at a glance

Overview

The Chinese spiny loach is a coolwater bottom fish for an unheated tank. It is best with a little experience.

Caring for the Chinese spiny loach

Give the Chinese spiny loach a tank of 42 gal (160 L) or more, with a sand floor and gentle flow. It sifts mouthfuls of sand all day and takes no interest in anything above the floor.

Keep the water cool, at 59 to 75°F (15 to 24°C), with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Feed sinking granules and frozen foods.

The Chinese spiny loach is easygoing and peaceful with everything, and it does fine alone or in a group. Keep it with other coolwater fish, such as white clouds, minnows or hillstream species.

Good to know

The Chinese spiny loach, Cobitis sinensis, is a member of the family Cobitidae and large for its genus. It has the classic Cobitis rows of blotches along each flank.

In the wild

The Chinese spiny loach lives in temperate streams and rivers across China and nearby parts of East Asia. It keeps to beds of sand and fine gravel, where it buries itself.

Common questions

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