How to Identify Spotted weather loach

To identify Spotted weather loach (Cobitis taenia), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

eel-like

Coloration

The body is typically yellowish-brown to pale brown on the dorsal side, fading to a lighter, often whitish, ventral surface. A distinctive feature is a lateral row of 10-20 dark, oval or rectangular spots along the midline, often accompanied by a row of smaller spots above and below. The fins are generally translucent with faint spotting.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Slender, elongated body, laterally compressed., Three pairs of barbels around the mouth, with the longest pair at the corners of the mouth., A distinctive, bifid (two-pointed) suborbital spine located beneath the eye, which can be erected as a defense mechanism., Small, embedded scales, giving the skin a smooth appearance., A dark spot at the base of the caudal fin.

Dorsal fin

Short, located approximately midway along the body, with 7-8 branched rays.

Tail fin

Slightly emarginate to rounded, with 12-14 branched rays.

Pectoral fin

Small, rounded, with 7-8 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally. Anal fin is short, with 5-6 branched rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Size

   Look for a slender, elongated body, typically reaching 8-12 cm (3-5 inches) in length, though some individuals can reach up to 15 cm (6 inches).

2. 2

   Coloration and Pattern

   Identify the characteristic lateral row of dark, oval or rectangular spots along the flanks. The overall body color is usually yellowish-brown to pale brown.

3. 3

   Barbels

   Observe the three pairs of small barbels around the mouth, which are used for foraging in the substrate.

4. 4

   Suborbital Spine

   Carefully check for the presence of a small, sharp, bifid spine located just below each eye. This is a key diagnostic feature for the genus Cobitis.

5. 5

   Caudal Fin Spot

   Note the distinct dark spot at the base of the caudal (tail) fin.

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