SPECIES ID / Freshwater Fish of the Fraser Valley
Loach Family (Cobitidae)
- Family is native to east Asia.
- Most species are scavengers and are able to live in poor water quality with low levels of oxygen.
- The Dojo Loach, a common aquarium species, was introduced to the Alouette River in Pitt Meadows around 2000, and has since spread to neighbouring watersheds.
Identification Tips:
- Long, eel-like body shape
- No scales
- Mouth faces downward
- Barbels around mouth
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Primary Information Source:
McPhail, J.D. 2007. The Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia. University of Alberta Press. Edmonton, Alberta.