Kuhli Loach

Kuhli Loach (Pangio Kuhlii)

The Kuhli Loach, also known as Coolie Loach and Leopard Loach, is a captivating freshwater fish characterized by its elongated, eel-like body adorned with alternating dark and light stripes, giving it a striking appearance. Kuhli Loaches can grow to 3 to 4 inches.

Kuhli Loaches are peaceful and social creatures known for their shy and nocturnal nature. They are best kept in a group of at least 5 individuals. They are compatible with a variety of tank mates but do best with other peaceful species. Small, peaceful species from similar environments, such as Boraras, smaller Rasbora, Sparkling Gourami, Croaking Gourami, and Vaillant's Chocolate Gourami, to name a few tankmates.

Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of a mix of plant-based foods and meaty foods. They enjoy a variety of foods, including flakes, sinking pellets, vegetables, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.

Kuhli Loaches prefer a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding spots. They enjoy burrowing and often spend time fully submerged in the substrate, so a soft substrate is ideal for preventing stress or injury. Coarser gravel could inhibit their feeding behavior and potentially cause harm. The tank should also include plenty of plants, driftwood, and smooth rocks for them to explore while providing them with shaded areas. Dried leaf litter can further enhance the natural ambiance and provide additional cover. They prefer fairly dim lighting, and aquatic plants from the Microsorum, Taxiphyllum, and Cryptocoryne are well suited for this environment.

They are quite hardy and adaptable, but they prefer warmer water temperatures. When it comes to water flow, a gentle filtration system that causes slight surface agitation is sufficient. High flow rates should be avoided for the Kuhli Loaches comfort.

Kuhli Loaches require an aquarium of at least 20 gallons, with the ideal community aquarium size being 30 gallons or more. The ideal water parameters for Kuhli Loaches are a pH of 5.5-6.5, hardness of 1-5 dGH, and a temperature of 73-86°F (23-30°C).

Loaches are known to jump, especially when newly introduced to a tank, so a secure tank cover is essential.