Japanese striped loach

Has oval spots and stays motionless on the riverbed.

Scientific name	Cobitis biwae
English name	Japanese striped loach
Japanese name	縞泥鰌
Classification	Actinopterygii
Classification details	Cypriniformes Cobitidae
Full length	about 13cm
Distribution	Freshwater areas across Japan.

Characteristics

Inhabits sandy riverbeds. It has three pairs of whiskers and spots on the sides of its body. There are many subspecies, and the pattern of spots varies depending on the region. It stays still and runs away when people approach, but since it can only move a short distance at a time, it can be easily caught if it doesn't lose sight of it. Because they are small and easy to keep, they have also been kept as ornamental fish.

Habitat

Found in Kita-Asakawa, Hachioji City. It was lying still at the bottom of the river with a gentle current, and it was difficult to find it until I got used to it. After finding it, I was able to catch it by gently chasing it from behind with a tamo. Most of them were rather small, averaging 7-8 cm.