Angora loach (Oxynoemacheilus angorae)

Scientific name: Oxynoemacheilus angorae Steindachner, 1897

The Angora loach (Oxynoemacheilus angorae) is a freshwater fish of the family Balitoridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 14–22°C (57–72°F). Native range: Asia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. Also found in Iran.

Angora loach care at a glance

Temperature: 14–22°C (57–72°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-8; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 5

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Oxynoemacheilus angorae
Family: Balitoridae (River loaches)
Order: Cypriniformes (Carps)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 8.5
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 15 benthopelagic; depth range 0 - ? m
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Asia: Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. Also found in Iran.
Conservation status (IUCN): Data deficient (DD)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026