Stone Loach

Name: Stone Loach

Scientific name: Noemacheilus barbatulus

Category: Fish

Nature Stars: 50

What are nature stars?

About: A small, slender, rounded fish, 8-12cm long. Has six moustache-like 'barbels' around the mouth. Found in rivers and streams, feeding on the bottom. Feeds on small invertebrates such as mayfly larvae and freshwater shrimps.

How to identify: One of only two loaches, identified by their smooth apparently scale-less bodies, elongated body, rounded fins and mottled colour. The Spined Loach is a rare fish with much stronger markings, found in slower, muddier water.

Where: Found in England, Wales and southern Scotland.

Natural Superpowers

• Predator: 60
• Agility: 60
• Rarity: 50
• Cute factor: 30
• Traveller: 40

Fantastic fact: If found, Stone Loaches stay still, relying on their camouflage for protection.

Photograph credit: Michel Roggo/naturepl