Eel loach
Pangio anguillaris
Pangio anguillaris has a very elongated, cylindrical body reminiscent of an eel, with a brownish to yellowish coloration and darker markings. Its fins are small and transparent. It is a nocturnal fish that spends the day buried in sand or hidden under roots. It is gregarious and must be kept in groups of at least three. Its burrowing behavior is fascinating to watch. It feeds mainly on small invertebrates and worms. In the aquarium, it accepts frozen foods and sinking pellets.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 6–7 |
| GH | 2–10 |
| KH | 1–5 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.5 |
Care
Care notes
Keep this species in an aquarium of at least 60 liters with a fine sandy substrate to allow burrowing. Water should be soft to moderately hard, with a pH of 6.0–7.0 and a temperature of 24–28 °C. Gentle filtration is recommended to avoid strong currents. Plant densely and add roots, smooth stones, and leaf litter to recreate a natural biotope. Feed with a varied diet: bloodworms, brine shrimp, sinking pellets for bottom dwellers. Avoid aggressive or overly large tankmates. Regular water changes are essential to maintain good water quality.