Their backs feature a yellow-brown colouring interspersed with many small grey or brown scales on the spinal ridge.

Generally it occurs across much of temperate Europe north of the Alpide belt, with the exceptions of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and northern Scandinavia.

[2] Populations of southwestern Europe were formerly included in this species, but actually represent distinct branches of Cobitis.

A member of subgenus Cobitis, close relatives of the spined loach are C. elongatoides, C. fahirae, C. tanaitica or C. vardarensis which replace it in northern Greece, much of Romania, and western Turkey.

During the day, they bury themselves in the bed of the body of water, leaving only the head and tail exposed.

At night, when the loach is most active, sand on the riverbed is consumed, and with it small animals and other organic material.