New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

💧 Freshwater Endangered 🌡️ Subtropical

Van loach

Oxynoemacheilus ercisianus akan & Kuru, 1986
Max Length
7.7 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
2.8
Depth
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
30.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Van loach (Oxynoemacheilus ercisianus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Nemacheilidae. It inhabits freshwater waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 7.7 cm. With a trophic level of 2.8, it is an omnivore, consuming both plant and animal matter. It is assessed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Scientific Name
Oxynoemacheilus ercisianus
Authority
akan & Kuru, 1986
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
EN
Max Length
7.7 cm
Trophic Level
2.8
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
30.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

This species is distinguished from its congeners in the O. tigris group by the following set characters, none of which are unique: male without suborbital groove; incomplete lateral line not reaching or reaching below the dorsal-fin base; scaleless on back and flank; with a median incision in the upper lip; individuals larger than 5.0 cm SL with a high dorsal adipose crest on the posterior-most caudal peduncle, the dorsal crest is not reaching to the vertical through the anal-fin base; pelvic-axillary lobe absent; deep caudal peduncle, its length 1.0–1.3 times its depth; flank with a marmorate pattern or with large, irregularly shaped and narrowly spaced dark-brown bars or blotches, usually more prominent on the flank behind the dorsal-fin base .: elongated; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Van loach is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Van loach is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Van loach is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; demersal. Subtropical

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
2.8±0.3

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00832 × L3.03 (TL)
Max TL
7.7cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Endangered
Assessment Date
2013

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
30.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.8
Omnivore / Planktivore
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
akan & Kuru, 1986

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet — be the first to log one!

View all observations for Van loach ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.