Loach Question

[syntax_error]

I'v read that loaches have this sting thingy. Is this true? Can someone please elaborate on this for me to get a better understanding? Also what other fish have this sort of defensive systems?

 

[helterskelter]

No thay dont.

What they do have is a sharp spine under the eye's, it's is used for protection i belive.

 

[loachman]

No thay dont.

What they do have is a sharp spine under the eye's, it's is used for protection i belive.

They have a spine under each eye. You can see the slit that contains the spine if you look very closely just below their eyes. It can be deployed (swung out) very rapidly if they're threatened. It is not venomous, just sharp.

 

[evilchild]

do all loach have these of is it just a few? i know the koolie loach has this

 

[loachman]

do all loach have these of is it just a few? i know the koolie loach has this

I don't believe hillstreams do.

 

[nurglespuss]

Most of the scaleless loaches do (e.g. khulie, clown, botia etc.)

It has 2 uses:

Making it awkward to eat, so that predators spit it out (much like corydoras too)

and for wedging itself in cracks/crevices etc. to stop it getting pulled out by predators.

Its why you have to be very careful catching loaches in nets.

 

[syntax_error]

That's interesting. Thanks for the replies guys