Scientific Name(s): Pangio kuhlii
Common Name(s): Kuhli Loach, Coolie Loach
Natural Habitat: Asian Rivers
Maximum Size: 4 inches
Life Span: 11 years
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Tank Region: Bottom of tank - including beneath substrate
Temperature Range 74°F - 86°F
pH Range 5.6 - 7
Possible Tank Mates: Other community fish - Tetras, peaceful cichlids, guppies, mollies, etc.
Description: The kuhli loach is an eel-shaped fish, elongated with slightly compressed sides, and very small fins. The dorsal fin starts behind the middle of the body, and the anal fin well behind this. The eyes are covered with a transparent skin. The body has fifteen to twenty dark brown to black vertical bars, and the gaps between them are salmon pink to yellowish with a light underside. When the fish are not actively breeding, there is no known way to distinguish between males and females. When breeding, the females often become monstrously fat before spawning. Maximum size is 4 in (10 cm) long, and four pairs of barbels about their mouth.
Breeding Information: Difficult in captivity. Put a lot of floating live plants in the tank to increase odds.
Sexing Information: Seixing by appearance is difficult but possible. Males have larger anal fins and females can be seen carrying green eggs when spawning.
Diet: Omivorous - does well with sinking foods.
Temperment: Nocturnal community fish
Kuhli Loach
Normal Kuhli:
Brown Kuhli:
Brown Kuhli: