Back to species list
Photo/video material for this species is still being prepared.
Stone loach
Schmerle
Scientific name: Barbatula barbatula
NativeFreshwater
Behavior
A bottom-dwelling fish living in sandy or gravelly streams and rivers, hiding under stones or roots by day and active at night. Feeds on small bottom-dwelling invertebrates.
Features
Elongated, cylindrical body with three pairs of barbels. Yellow-brown with irregular markings. Small, usually under 15 cm.
Distribution
Widespread across most of Europe (excluding northern Scandinavia, southern Italy, and the southern Balkans), east to the Urals. In Germany found in clear streams and rivers in every state.