Arrow loach
📖 Overview
Inhabits shallow depths of 2 m or less in rivers and streams with moderate current and muddy to sandy bottoms . Occurs in forest streams flowing clear and slightly black waters, as well as in turbid waters . Feeds on insect larvae and aquatic invertebrates .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Anal soft rays: 8. Distinguished from all other species of nemacheilines in Indochinese area by its color pattern consisting of a light background with 14-18 dark blotches along sides and 12-17 dark saddles along the back, a black spot at posterior extremity of lateral line and a black spot on anterior dorsal rays at about one fourth of ray length. From the closely related N. pallidus, it is distinguished by a slender body (body depth 12.6-17.6% SL versus 14.8-19.1), eye situated more on the top of head (interorbital width 4.9-6.8% SL, versus 5.7-8.0; and darker and wider markings (spots and saddles usually wider than interspaces, versus thinner).: eel-like.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Arrow loach is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
insect larvae and aquatic invertebrates (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Arrow 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 Arrow loach is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Arrow 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nemacheilus masyai | Smith | 1933 | Synonym |
| Noemacheilus masyae | Smith | 1933 | Synonym |
| Noemacheilus masyai | Smith | 1933 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Arrow loach.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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