Silver loach
📖 Overview
Apparently associated with fast waters and stony to rocky substrate . Found in medium to large-sized rivers . Occurs at the bottom of flowing rivers. Takes shelter in crevices and under bottom cover of rocks, tree limbs or other objects during the day and comes out to forage at dusk and night time. Feeds on mollusks and other benthic invertebrates. When young of the year return to the river in November and December, this species, along with B. helodes, B. morleti and B. modesta is often used as food for fish reared in cages. Commonly seen in the aquarium trade .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 13; Anal soft rays: 8 - 10; Vertebrae: 33 - 36. Has 8 branched dorsal rays; in life, a brown to yellowish body; a large blackish blotch on the caudal peduncle; dusky yellow fins ; lacks a mid-dorsal stripe at all ages, young may have many narrow black bars; erect ethmoid spine perpendicular to snout when viewed from above; large mental lobe .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Silver loach is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: ? - 8. Tropical; 24°C - 28°C
🌿 Ecology
mollusks and other benthic invertebrates
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Silver 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 Silver loach is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Silver 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botia lecontei | Fowler | 1937 | Synonym |
| Botia pulchripinnis | Paysan | 1970 | Heterotypic |
| Yasuhikotakia pulchripinnis | Paysan | 1970 | Heterotypic |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Silver loach.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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