Description

Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Pangio kuhlii

• Family: Cobitidae

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand)

• Size: 3 – 4 inches (7 – 10 cm)

• Lifespan: 7 – 10 years

• Tank Zone: Bottom dwellers (sometimes burrow in sand)

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 80 – 200 ppm

• pH: 5.5 – 7.0

• Temperature: 24 – 29°C (75 – 84°F)

• Hardness: 3 – 8 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Eel-like body with yellow and brown stripes.

• Peaceful, shy, and mostly nocturnal.

• Burrow in soft sand and hide during the day.

• Very social – happier in groups.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous.

• Diet: Sinking pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and finely chopped vegetables.

• Feeding: 1–2 times daily; feed at night for best results.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons.

• Filtration: Gentle filter with sponge guard (they can get stuck).

• Decor: Sand substrate, caves, driftwood, plants, leaf litter.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: At least 5–6 (they are schooling loaches).

• Tank Mates: Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, Gouramis, peaceful community fish.

• Avoid: Large or aggressive fish (may stress or eat them).

✅ Do’s

• Use soft sand – they like to burrow.

• Keep them in groups for security.

• Provide hiding spots and dim lighting.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep on sharp gravel (injures them).

• Don’t keep alone – they become stressed.

• Don’t overfeed; they scavenge leftovers too.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Fun, shy bottom dwellers perfect for peaceful aquariums.

• Best kept in groups with soft sand and hiding places.

• Great at cleaning uneaten food but not algae eaters.