Nikolsky's Loach (Misgurnus nikolskyi)

Family: Cobitidae

Nikolsky's Loach — a Cobitidae from 欧洲, 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
欧洲

Species overview

Cobitidae species Misgurnus nikolskyi comes from 欧洲. A sand-sifting bottom resident most active after the lights fade. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 10.3–15.1 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 5–25 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.

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