The Family Cobitidae, commonly known as loaches, is a group of freshwater fish that are popular among aquarium enthusiasts. Synonyms for this family include the Botiidae, which includes the popular clown loach and the Yasuhikotakia, which includes the zebra loach. Other synonyms include the Cobitis, Schistura, and Pangio, which contain various species of loaches. These fish are known for their unique appearance and behavior, with many species having elongated bodies and the ability to burrow and hide in substrate. They also provide important ecological roles in their natural habitats, such as controlling pest populations and serving as food sources for larger predatory fish.