Huang He Spined Loach — a Cobitidae from NE China, Korea & the Russian Far East, peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Reaches 15–22 cm; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. 18–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
15–22 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand
Origin
NE China, Korea & the Russian Far East
Species overview
From the waters of NE China, Korea & the Russian Far East comes Cobitis melanoleuca, a member of the family Cobitidae. A sand-sifting bottom resident most active after the lights fade. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 15–22 cm. Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. Choose sand over gravel, feed after dusk, and keep ammonia at zero — loaches punish neglect visibly. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.