Kuhli Loach

fish description – Kuhli Loach Care Guide ($Pangio\ kuhlii$)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Pangio\ kuhlii$
Common Name	Kuhli Loach, Coolie Loach, Giant Kuhli Loach
Origin	Slow-moving streams, swamps, and peat forest waters (Southeast Asia)
Adult Size	3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm)
Temperament	Very peaceful, gregarious, nocturnal bottom-dweller
Lifespan	8–10 years (some reports suggest up to 15)
Care Level	Easy

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A distinctive, slender, eel-like body with three pairs of barbels around the mouth. It typically displays a pattern of 10–15 broad, dark brown or black vertical bands separated by narrow, pinkish-yellow to golden stripes.
• Coloration: Body is predominantly light yellow-pink with contrasting dark bands. Females are usually noticeably plumper and fuller, especially when carrying eggs. Males are slimmer and may have slightly thicker fins.
• Fins: Short, proportional fins. They possess small spines below their eyes, which can catch in nets (handle with care).
• Behavior: Primarily nocturnal and secretive, they are often not seen during the day. They are highly social, preferring to be in groups and sometimes piling up in “Kuhli balls” when resting. They love to burrow and will try to squeeze into any crack or crevice. They are known to jump.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) is the recommended minimum for a group of 5 or more. A long tank is highly preferred to provide maximum floor space. A secure, tight-fitting lid is crucial.
• Schooling: Must be kept in groups of at least 5–6 individuals; larger groups (10+) are recommended to encourage them to be less shy and more active during the day.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $73^\circ$–$86^\circ\text{F}\ (23^\circ$–$30^\circ\text{C})$. They prefer the middle of this range.
• pH Level: Soft, acidic water is preferred: 5.5 to 7.0. They are sensitive to high nitrates and ammonia/nitrite, requiring a mature, stable tank and diligent water changes.
• Aquascape: Fine sand substrate is mandatory to protect their delicate barbels during burrowing. Provide heavy cover using driftwood, caves, and abundant dense, low-light plants (Cryptocoryne, Java Moss). Adding leaf litter (almond leaves) helps replicate their natural habitat. Filtration should be efficient but produce a gentle current.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The Kuhli Loach is an omnivorous scavenger that requires sinking foods.

• Staple Diet: Should be specifically fed high-quality sinking pellets, wafers, or tablets (protein and vegetable mix). Do not rely on leftovers.
• Supplementation: They love meaty foods. Offer live or frozen protein regularly: Bloodworms, Tubifex Worms, Brine Shrimp, and Daphnia. Blanched vegetables can be offered occasionally.
• Schedule: Feed once daily, preferably after the main lights are off, to ensure they get enough food without competition from mid-water fish.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Should not be kept with large, aggressive bottom-dwelling fish that might harass them. Sharp or coarse gravel will injure their barbels. They may eat tiny eggs or dwarf shrimp fry.
• Good Tank Mates: Nearly all small, peaceful, and active fish that occupy the mid-to-upper water columns. Examples include Tetras (Neon, Rummy Nose), Rasboras (Harlequin, Chili), Corydoras (other species), and peaceful Dwarf Gouramis.