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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🐠 Aquarium 🌡️ Temperate

Krynicki's loach

Oxynoemacheilus merga Krynicki, 1840
Max Length
10 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
2.7
Depth
-
Climate
Temperate
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
39.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Krynicki's loach (Oxynoemacheilus merga), first described by Krynicki, 1840 is a small fish in the family Nemacheilidae (order Cypriniformes). Adults typically reach 10.00 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 kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Nemacheilidae kept in the hobby.

Scientific Name
Oxynoemacheilus merga
Authority
Krynicki, 1840
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Temperate
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
10 cm
Trophic Level
2.7
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
39.00/100
Water Temp
10–22 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Can be diagnosed from its congeners in Europe by the possession of the following unique characters: caudal emarginate; no processus dentiformis; and dorsal fin with 7½ branched rays. Can be further distinguished by its caudal peduncle depth 2.1-2.4 times in its length, 2.0-2.5 times in body depth .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Krynicki's loach is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Temperate; 10°C - 22°C

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
2.7±0.3

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00741 × L3.01 (TL)
Max TL
10cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
10–22°C
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2008

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
39.00/100
Moderate vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.7
Omnivore / Planktivore
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Temperate
Described By
Krynicki, 1840

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