Common Spined Loach (Cobitis taenia)

Family: Cobitidae

Common Spined Loach — a Cobitidae from Africa and China. Reaches 10.1–14.9 cm; keep at 14–18 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 14–18 °C
pH: 7–7.7
GH hardness: 10–15 dGH
Adult length: 10.1–14.9 cm
Minimum tank: 266 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful bottom-dweller
Origin: Africa and China

Species overview

Cobitis taenia is a Cobitidae from Africa and China. In the wild it prefers sandy stretches of slow rivers; in the aquarium it stays peaceful bottom-dweller. Plan on 10.1–14.9 cm of adult fish at 14–18 °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 Common Spined Loach easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful bottom-dweller; loosely social; keep in small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Common Spined Loach need?

Set the heater to 14–18 °C and avoid swings. pH 7–7.7, GH 10–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Common Spined Loach get, and what tank size?

Full size is 10.1–14.9 cm. Minimum tank: 266 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Common Spined Loach eat?

Omnivore with a carnivorous tilt; sinking foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Common 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 Common Spined Loach come from?

Comes from Africa and China: sandy stretches of slow rivers. Expect gentle current and tolerates moderate oxygen levels.

How does Common Spined Loach breed?

Rare in home aquaria. Females noticeably plumper when mature.