Loach
Loach is a fresh water fish which can also survive in waters where there is scarcity of Oxygen. It belongs to the family, Cobitidae.

Share this Article:

Loach, Indian Freshwater FishLoach is a small freshwater fish which belongs to the family Cobitidae, grows at most about eight centimetres long. The fish is thin and cylindrical in structure, with a number of barbels around the mouth. Most of the loaches are colourful with black and yellow stripes or pale yellow with black dots. Even if they are referred to as Loaches, these fishes are also called as "Thorn-eyes". They are so called because they possess one or two thorn-shaped spines which are there immediately between the eyes or almost beneath the eyes which are often erect and are used for self-defence. These are found every where in Asia, Europe, and some parts of Africa.

Loaches occur in shallow streams and puddles all over India usually half buried in the bottom sand. Some occur in rice fields in western India during the monsoon and are therefore called `ricefield loach`. It has a comparatively larger teeth-like bony projection below the eye by which it remains attached to the substratum. A loach Botia striata from Kolhapur and Botia lohachata from Uttar Pradesh are popular aquarium fishes.

Loaches normally feed on organic matter available at the bottom. Their breeding habits are not clearly known but the young fry, which are very tiny and colourless, quickly distribute themselves to new waters and select fields where they are a surprise to the novice. These fishes have the capacity to live in oxygen deficient waters by absorbing atmospheric air from the surface of water and moving it along its intestine in order to absorb the oxygen while the excess air is rejected out through the anus.

Loach bears a spine or spines below its eye which becomes erect when there is any threat from a predator. Barbels, possessing taste buds, are utilized to find the substrate for food. These fishes possess small scales which gives its body a `skin-like` look. These fresh water fishes are usually nocturnal or crepuscular. Some of the Loaches rest on their side for very long periods. Very little success is registered in breeding loaches in captivity and may be the recreation of the conditions of rainy season could bring on spawning.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.