Pronunciation: [sˈiː lˈə͡ʊt͡ʃ] (IPA) 
The sea loach is a type of fish whose spelling is fairly straightforward when it comes to its pronunciation. The word "loach" is pronounced /ləʊtʃ/ (lohch) and refers to a small freshwater fish with barbels around its mouth. The addition of the word "sea" simply indicates that this type of fish can be found in saltwater environments. Therefore, the correct spelling of this fish is "sea loach," pronounced /siː ləʊtʃ/ (see lohch).
Sea loach is a common name used to refer to various species of small, elongated freshwater and saltwater fish belonging to the family Cobitidae. These fish are typically found in rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal areas of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The term "sea loach" is often used interchangeably with the term "loach," although the former specifically refers to those species that inhabit marine or brackish environments.
Sea loaches are characterized by their slender bodies, which are typically covered in small scales. They have a pair of barbels on their upper lip, which they use to navigate and forage for food on the seabed. Most species exhibit a variety of color patterns, ranging from olive-green to brown or yellowish hues, enabling them to camouflage effectively within their surroundings.
These small fish are omnivorous, feeding on a diverse diet that includes small invertebrates, plants, algae, and detritus. Sea loaches are known for their bottom-dwelling behavior, using their barbels to search for food particles and small prey items in the sediment. They prefer areas with sandy or muddy substrates, where they can bury themselves partially to ambush unsuspecting prey or for protection.
Due to their small size and adaptability, sea loaches are popular aquarium fish. They provide both aesthetic appeal and help to control the growth of algae, making them beneficial additions to freshwater and brackish aquarium ecosystems. However, some species require specific water conditions, such as specific pH levels or temperature ranges, to thrive in captivity.
The word "sea loach" is a compound noun that combines "sea" and "loach".
The word "sea" comes from the Old English word "sæ", which ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word "*saiwiz". This Proto-Germanic word is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*sei-", meaning "to swim" or "to flow". "Sea" refers to the large body of saltwater that covers most of the Earth's surface.
On the other hand, "loach" comes from the Old English word "lāhha", which is related to the Dutch word "Lach", the German word "Laube", and the Old Norse word "lā"; all of which refer to a type of freshwater fish that is similar to the modern loach.
