Note on the ecology of spined loach in the lower River Trent, England

The spined loach is a threatened freshwater fish that is indigenous to the British mainland, and is protected under the EC Directive on conservation of natural habitats, flora, and fauna. Most loach populations are restricted to catchments of the rivers Trent, Great Ouse, Welland, Nene, and Witham. Most knowledge of the spined loach in the U.K. comes from research conducted on the River Great Ouse catchment. A new study sampled eight sites on the lower reaches of the River Trent. Spined loach generally occurred at sites where habitat diversity was high, but were present in low numbers compared with those of other fish species. Length measurements provided data on growth patterns. Findings on the biology of the spined loach in the River Trent are summarized. The river is important for spined loach populations and should be included in conservation plans for this species in the U.K.