Cobitis taenia (River Loche)

Elongated body and brown-jaunatre in color, dotted with black dots. He has 3 pairs of barbels around the mouth. This fish is especially active at night. He likes to sneak between bushy plants and roots.

Cobitis Taenia fish is a freshwater fish belonging to the Cobitidae family. It is also known as a spotted vairon or black band lock. This fish is generally small, measuring about 10-12 cm long, although some specimens can reach up to 15 cm. The body of the Cobitis Taenia is lying and compressed laterally, which allows it to easily sneak in restricted spaces. Its color generally varies from gray to dark brown, with darker spots dispersed on the body. The fish also carries a distinct black band along the side line, which gives it its common name.

Cobitis Taenia is mainly a cold water fish and can be found in the streams, rivers and lakes in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It prefers calm and shallow waters with a sandy or muddy substrate. Fish feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates such as insects and larvae, as well as small fish and aquatic plants.

The Cobitis Taenia is a lonely fish that reproduces in spring and summer. The female lays her eggs on aquatic plants or pebbles, where they are fertilized by the male. The eggs generally hatch in a few days, and the fry are autonomous from birth. The Cobitis Taenia is considered an unthanded species in most of its distribution area, although some subpopulations can be threatened by human activities such as pollution and destruction of habitat.

Due to its small size and its discreet color, the Cobitis Taenia is not often considered as a species of fish of choice for the aquarophilia. However, it can be an excellent choice for beginners aquariophiles or for those who wish to create a biotope cold water aquarium with fish of European or Asian origin. The Cobitis Taenia is generally peaceful and can be maintained in community aquarium with other species of peaceful fish. It is important to provide fish with a well planted aquarium and maintain clean and stable water levels to ensure your well-being.

The males are smaller, their second pectoral radius is thicker.