Aquaria
Stone Loach

Stone Loach

Image: <table style="width:100%; border:1px solid #aaa; background:#efd; text-align:center"> <tbody><tr> <td><span typeof="mw:File"><a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aspitates_ochrearia.jpg" class="mw-file-description"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Aspitates_ochrearia.jpg/60px-Aspitates_ochrearia.jpg" decoding="async" width="55" height="41" class="mw-file-element" srcset="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Aspitates_ochrearia.jpg/120px-Aspitates_ochrearia.jpg 1.5x" data-file-width="800" data-file-height="600"></a></span> </td> <td>This image is created by user <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://waarneming.nl/users/86595/photos/">B. Schoenmakers</a> at <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://waarneming.nl/">Waarneming.nl</a>, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. </td></tr></tbody></table> (CC BY 3.0)

NameStone Loach
Scientific NameBarbatula barbatula
Common NamesStone Loach, European Stone Loach
FamilyBalitoridae
OriginEurope
Temperamentpeaceful
Dietomnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)30
Max Size (Inches)6
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)50-72
pH Range6.5-7.5
Compatible SpeciesMinnows, Gudgeon, Dace, Other small, peaceful temperate fish

Description

The Stone Loach is a slender, bottom-dwelling fish native to clear, cool rivers and streams across Europe. It features a mottled brown coloration, small barbels around its mouth, and prefers well-oxygenated water with a gravelly or sandy substrate. These peaceful fish are primarily nocturnal, foraging for small invertebrates and detritus.

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