Mongoose loach facts for kids
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The mongoose loach (scientific name: Nemacheilus ruppelli) is a type of fish. It belongs to a group of fish called Nemacheilus. This special fish lives only in the Western Ghats of India.
Scientists have studied the mongoose loach closely. They found its DNA is very similar to another fish, Nemachilichthys shimogensis. Some scientists believe these two fish are actually the same species. This is because their genetic differences are very small. Even though they might look a bit different, many experts now treat N. shimogensis as the same as N. ruppelli.
However, some important groups, like the IUCN and Fishbase, still list Nemachilichthys shimogensis as a separate species.
Where the Mongoose Loach Lives
The mongoose loach is found in the Krishna River system. This river system is located in the Western Ghats of India.
Scientists have found this fish in several rivers. These include the Thunga, Mula-Mutha, Indrayani, Hiranyakeshi, Nira River, and Koyna rivers.
The Mongoose Loach's Home
The mongoose loach likes to live in rivers that flow at a moderate or fast speed. It usually stays close to the riverbed.
This fish prefers areas with mud, small rocks, silt, and pebbles. You can often find it near submerged roots of plants that grow along the riverbanks. It also likes places with other water plants.
