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Ichthyological Research 50: 98-101 (2003)

 Spawning habitat in the spined loach, Cobitis taenia (Cypriniformes; Cobitidae)

 Jörg Bohlen

Abstract

Spawning habitat of the endangered spined loach Cobitis taenia was studied in northwestern Germany. The distribution of eggs of the loach in the field was best correlated with the density of vegetation, but little with current velocity, water depth or bottom substrate. In aquarium, the loach chose dense vegetation for oviposition site, as inferred by the direct observations of spawning and the location of spawned eggs. It is concluded that such habitat specialisation is an important element in the autecology of the endangered fish and a critical stage in the habitat requirements of its populations.

Key words: Cobitis taenia, Spawning substrate, Habitat preference, Reproductive biology