Loach, a warm-water bottom-dwelling fish, is commonly found in shallow waters like ponds, ditches, lakes, and rice fields—areas with slow or still water. These fish often burrow into the mud, making their habitat quite dense. They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions. Loaches are highly adaptable, but they can also escape harsh environments by burying themselves in the mud. During dry periods or when conditions become unfavorable, they retreat into the mud layer. As long as the mud remains slightly moist, they can survive by absorbing moisture through their skin. Once conditions improve, they resume feeding.
One of the remarkable traits of loach is its ability to survive in low-oxygen environments. It can live in water with dissolved oxygen levels as low as 0.16 mg/L, thanks to its unique respiratory system. In addition to gills, loaches can breathe through their skin and even their intestines—a process known as intestinal respiration. Their thin skin is rich in blood vessels, allowing for efficient gas exchange. When oxygen is scarce, they surface to gulp air, which is then used in the intestines for respiration before being expelled through the anus. In aquaculture, this behavior becomes more frequent after feeding, as up to one-third of their oxygen intake comes from intestinal respiration.
Loaches prefer water temperatures between 13°C and 30°C, with an optimal range of 24°C to 27°C. When the temperature drops below 5°C or rises above 30°C, they burrow deep into the mud and enter a state of dormancy. Once conditions return to normal, they become active again.
As omnivores, loaches feed on a wide variety of food. Juveniles primarily consume zooplankton, especially copepods, while adults tend to eat insect larvae, particularly chironomid larvae. They also consume organic debris, plant material, and small aquatic organisms. In artificial farming, they readily accept bait. Feeding activity peaks twice a day—at 7-10 AM and 4-6 PM—with a lull around 5 AM. Loaches are known to scavenge, acting as "cleaners" in ponds by eating leftovers from other fish. Their short digestive system allows them to process animal matter faster than plant-based food. Overfeeding can lead to bloating and gas buildup, which may affect their breathing.
Loaches are nocturnal and avoid bright light. In captivity, they prefer shaded areas or hiding spots. Growth rates vary depending on factors like diet, stocking density, water temperature, and sex. In the wild, they grow rapidly: from about 0.3 cm at hatching to 3 cm after one month, and 6-8 cm after six months. By the end of their second year, they can reach 13 cm and weigh around 15 grams. The largest individuals can grow up to 20 cm and weigh 100 grams. In aquaculture, fry can be raised to 3 cm within 20 days and reach 80-100 per kilogram when fully grown.
Reproduction typically occurs in spring, starting in late April when water temperatures reach 18°C. Spawning lasts several weeks, peaking between late May and June. Female loaches lay thousands of eggs, ranging from a few hundred to over 100,000, depending on size. Males mature at around 6 cm, while females have larger gonads. Spawning usually takes place in clear, flowing waters like rice paddies or marshes. Males chase females, gently nipping their heads and chests until the female releases eggs. The male then fertilizes them. Fertilized eggs are sticky and adhere to plants or rocks. Hatchlings emerge after two days at 19-24°C, initially transparent and about 3.5 mm long. They gradually develop pigmentation and begin feeding after about three days. Within 20 days, they grow to 15 mm and resemble adult loaches, transitioning from gill to intestinal respiration.
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