Spotted Eel-Loach (Pangio muraeniformis)
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| A Spotted-Eel Loach found at the side of a forest stream in Bintan. (Photograph by: Jiayuan Lin) |
Family: Cobitidae
Species Name: Pangio muraeniformis
Common Name: Spotted Eel-Loach
Presence in Singapore: Native
Habitat: Freshwater forest streams
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (Red Data Book 3)
Common Name: Spotted Eel-Loach
Presence in Singapore: Native
Habitat: Freshwater forest streams
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (Red Data Book 3)
The Spotted Eel-Loach belongs to the genus Pangio, which includes popular aquarium fishes such as Pangio kuhlii and Pangio semicincta. While they're called eel-loaches, they are more famously generalized as "kuhli loaches" or even "coolie loaches". The Spotted Eel-Loach is rarely seen in Singapore, where it is restricted to the Nee Soon Swamp Forest and its surroundings. It inhabits acidic forest streams where they stick to the bottom or the sides.
Growing up to 8cm, this appropriately named eel-like fish forages and hide among the sediment and leaf litter. They use their small barbels to search for foodstuffs such as small invertebrates. To protect themselves, eel-loaches have a spine under each eye that protrude when threatened by a predator.
Growing up to 8cm, this appropriately named eel-like fish forages and hide among the sediment and leaf litter. They use their small barbels to search for foodstuffs such as small invertebrates. To protect themselves, eel-loaches have a spine under each eye that protrude when threatened by a predator.
References
- Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.
- National Parks Board (NParks). Freshwater Fishes. Retrieved from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nature/species-list/freshwater-fishes.
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