Nakdong spined loach (Cobitis hankugensis)

Family: Cobitidae

Nakdong spined loach — a Cobitidae freshwater fish. Reaches 5.5–8 cm; keep at 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
5.5–8 cm
Minimum tank
77 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller

Species overview

Cobitis hankugensis is a Cobitidae. In the aquarium it stays peaceful bottom-dweller. Plan on 5.5–8 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Cobitis lutheri, Cobitis shikokuensis, Cobitis sinensis.

Native biotope

Habitat
Sandy stretches of slow rivers
Flow
Gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Tolerates moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand for burrowing
Hardscape
Smooth stones and driftwood caves
Plants
Low-light tolerant plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Loosely social; keep in small groups
Diet
Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method
Rare in home aquaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Nakdong spined loach easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful bottom-dweller. Loosely social; keep in small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Nakdong spined loach need?

Aim for 18–26 °C. Room temperature stable range; 18–26 °C typical for the genus.

How big does Nakdong spined loach get, and what tank size?

Full size is 5.5–8 cm. Minimum tank: 77 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Nakdong spined loach eat?

Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods. It forages naturally over fine sand for burrowing, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Nakdong spined loach live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Nakdong spined loach come from?

Found in sandy stretches of slow rivers; expect gentle current and tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Nakdong spined loach breed?

Rare in home aquaria. Females noticeably plumper when mature.