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The loach is a warm-water fish known for its remarkable adaptability to various environments. It typically resides in shallow, slow-moving waters such as ponds, ditches, lakes, and rice paddies. These fish prefer the bottom of water bodies and often dig into the mud, especially in acidic soils. One of the most fascinating features of the loach is its ability to breathe not only through its gills but also through its skin and even its intestines. This intestinal respiration is a unique physiological trait that allows it to survive in low-oxygen conditions.
The loach's intestinal wall is thin and rich in blood vessels, making it effective for gas exchange. When oxygen levels in the water drop, the loach can surface to take in air, which then passes through the intestine for gas exchange before being expelled through the anus. This adaptation makes it far more resistant to anoxia than many other farmed fish species, giving it great potential for aquaculture. Studies have shown that loaches can survive when dissolved oxygen levels fall as low as 0.46–0.48 mg/L, though they begin to die at these levels. In pond farming, loaches often rise to the surface and gulp air during low-oxygen periods, allowing them to remain safe even when oxygen levels drop below 0.16 mg/L.
Loaches thrive in water temperatures ranging from 13°C to 30°C, with their optimal growth occurring between 25°C and 27°C. When temperatures fall below 5°C–6°C or rise above 34°C–35°C, they burrow into the mud, up to 10–30 cm deep, to enter a dormant state. During this time, as long as the soil remains moist, the loach can maintain life by keeping its skin damp.
Another important characteristic of the loach is its strong escape behavior. If water levels rise during spring or summer, or if there are small leaks in the pond walls, loaches can escape overnight. Therefore, proper management and anti-escape measures are essential in loach farming. This includes installing secure covers and barriers around the inlet and outlet points to prevent losses.
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Shanghai Enjosim Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Jiangsu Enjosim Medical Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.enjosimmedical.com