the loache, in ichthyology, a genus of fishes belonging to the order of abdominales. The eyes are in the upper part of the head. The branchiole membrane has from four to five rays; and the body is nearly of an equal thickness throughout. The species are five, viz., the anablops, with two cirri, a depressed head, and prominent eyes. It is found on the coasts of Surinam. 2. The barbatula, with six cirri, and a compressed smooth head. 3. The tenia, with six cirri, and a prickle below the eye. The above two are found in the fresh-waters of Europe. 4. The fofilis, with eight cirri, and a prickle above the eye. It is a native of Europe. 5. The heteroclitia, has no cirri; and the back-fin and that at the anus are full of white spots. It is a native Carolina.