Puan spine loach

About

Found only in a small area of southwestern Korea, Iksookimia pumila is one of five recognized members of the genus Iksookimia, a group of true loaches in the family Cobitidae. It can be told apart from its closest relative, I. koreensis, by its flank patterning: rather than ten or more narrow dark bars running along each side, this species carries fewer bars and only a handful of larger, vertically oriented blotches on the upper body. Like all cobitids, it carries a sharp, motile spine just below each eye. These spines are normally tucked away inside a fold of skin but snap outward under stress, so care is needed when moving fish with a net, as the spines can snag the mesh. In the aquarium, members of this genus tend to be sociable with one another and reasonably peaceful toward similar-sized tankmates, though they may opportunistically pick off eggs or fry. A group of four or more is the way to go. The species is occasionally traded within Korea and Japan but has not reliably made it into the broader western hobby yet. Captive breeding has not been documented, and given its restricted natural range, wild populations deserve some consideration when sourcing specimens.