Where Does Chain Loach Live?

Chain Loach lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Chain Loach

Water type

freshwater

Depth

Typically found in shallow, slow-moving to moderately flowing sections of rivers and streams, often near the banks.

Environment

Native to clear, well-oxygenated rivers and tributaries with sandy or gravelly substrates, often with abundant submerged vegetation and leaf litter. They seek shelter among rocks, roots, and plants.

Geographic range

Historically found in the Mae Klong and Chao Phraya river basins in Thailand, and possibly parts of Cambodia and Laos. Its wild populations have severely declined, and it is now considered critically endangered or possibly extinct in some parts of its former range, with most available specimens being captive-bred.

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