Nikolsky's Loach (Misgurnus nikolskyi)

Family: Cobitidae

Nikolsky's Loach — a Cobitidae from Amur basin, peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Reaches 10.3–15.1 cm; loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy. 5–25 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
5–25 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
10.3–15.1 cm
Minimum tank
274 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand
Origin
Amur basin

Species overview

A Cobitidae species native to Amur basin: Misgurnus nikolskyi lives bottom-dwelling over sandy stretches of slow rivers. Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Adults reach 10.3–15.1 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Misgurnus species we profile, alongside Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, Misgurnus mohoity.

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
Loose groups of 5+; loneliness makes them shy
Diet
Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict
Avoid keeping with
  • Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females noticeably plumper when mature
Breeding method
Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned

Frequently asked questions

Is Nikolsky's Loach easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Nikolsky's Loach need?

Set the heater to 5–25 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Nikolsky's Loach get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 10.3–15.1 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 274 litres.

What does Nikolsky's Loach eat?

Omnivorous bottom-feeder — sinking pellets, frozen foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Nikolsky's Loach live with other fish?

Peaceful bottom-dweller; burrows in fine sand. Recommended tankmates: Other peaceful bottom fish — Share the lower water without conflict. Avoid Boisterous feeders — Outcompete slow, nocturnal eaters.

Where does Nikolsky's Loach come from?

Its home waters are Amur basin — sandy stretches of slow rivers, with gentle current.

How does Nikolsky's Loach breed?

Spawns over sand and plants; eggs are abandoned. Females noticeably plumper when mature.