Kashgarian loach
📖 Overview
Kashgarian loach (Hedinichthys yarkandensis), first described by Day, 1877 is a medium-sized fish in the family Nemacheilidae (order Cypriniformes). Adults typically reach 30.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Temperate waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and kept in the aquarium hobby. As a member of the Nemacheilidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Body comparatively deep and substantially laterally compressed. Head compressed dorsoventrally, with a protruded rostrum. Sexually mature fishes with dorsal profile of the body distinctly humpbacked. Caudal fin truncated but with a hollow. Posterior nostril beanlike, surrounding the anterior nostril posteriorly. Lateral line complete. Numerous small blackish spots on the body. No sexual dimorphism .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Kashgarian loach is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Temperate
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Kashgarian loach is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Kashgarian loach is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Kashgarian loach has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbatula yarkandensis | Day | 1877 | Synonym |
| Nemacheilus yarkandensis | Day | 1877 | Synonym |
| Nemachilus tarimensis | Kessler | 1879 | Synonym |
| Nemachilus yarkandensis | Day | 1877 | Synonym |
| Nemachilus yarkandensis brevibarbus | Herzenstein | 1888 | Synonym |
| Nemachilus yarkandensis longibarbus | Herzenstein | 1888 | Synonym |
| Triplophysa yarkandensis | Day | 1877 | Synonym |
| Triplophysa yarkandensis yarkandensis | - | - | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Kashgarian loach.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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