Kuhli loach

Pangio kuhlii

Family : Cobitidae

FishFreshwaterloaches

The Kuhli loach is a small eel-like fish, very discreet, ideal for planted aquariums with soft substrate.

Kuhli loach — photo 1 sur 4
User:Louie · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 4
Popularity
Community fish
classic in freshwater aquarium
Availability
Common in shops
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern

Description

Pangio kuhlii reaches 8-10 cm. Its body is snake-like, laterally compressed. Coloration is pink to orange with many dark vertical bands. The fins are small. The mouth is surrounded by barbels. It is a nocturnal and very shy fish. It spends the day buried in the substrate or hidden. It lives in groups. It is peaceful and compatible with all non-aggressive fish. It can breathe atmospheric air.

Habitat

Region :

The Kuhli loach inhabits slow streams, swamps and rice paddies, on sandy or muddy bottoms. It hides in leaf litter and roots. The water is often acidic, soft and low in minerals.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH66.5
GH38 °dGH
KH25 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 10 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.2 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
2/5
Diet
Omnivore
Min. tank
60 L
Min. group
5
Adult size
10 cm
Lifespan
8 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation
Ovipare, ponte éparse. Difficile à reproduire en aquarium. Les alevins sont très petits.

Care notes

A tank of at least 60 L for a group of 5-6 individuals. Substrate must be fine (sand) to allow burrowing. Water should be soft (GH 3-8), acidic (pH 6.0-6.5), temperature 24-28°C. Provide hiding places (leaves, roots, plants). Omnivorous: accepts small pellets, worms, artemia. Avoid strong currents. Sensitive to nitrates. Compatible with peaceful fish like rasboras, corydoras.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References