Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii) Care Guide
Slender, eel-shaped nocturnal loach from Southeast Asia, marked with dark bands. Burrows into soft sand and is best kept in groups in densely planted tanks.
Overview
Pangio kuhlii is a small, eel-shaped freshwater loach in the family Cobitidae. Its elongated body is marked with alternating dark and pale bands. The species is nocturnal and secretive, spending much of the day buried in the substrate or hidden among plants and roots.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cobitidae
- Genus: Pangio
- Scientific name: Pangio kuhlii
Habitat
Native to Java, Indonesia, with related records from the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Thailand and other parts of the Sunda Shelf. The species inhabits slow-moving, soft, acidic forest streams with sandy substrates, leaf litter and submerged wood.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 75 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-5 °dGH
- School size: at least 5 individuals
- Lifespan: 7-14 years
- Adult size: 8-10 cm
Diet
An omnivore that forages along the substrate at night. It accepts sinking pellets, granules, frozen and live foods such as bloodworm and Daphnia. Specimens often learn to feed during the day if no aggressive tankmates are present.
Compatibility
Peaceful and social; minimum group size of five is recommended for natural behaviour. Suitable companions include Corydoras, small tetras, rasboras and Cherry Shrimp. Larger or aggressive species such as Oscars and most large cichlids should be avoided, as should the boisterous Clown Loach.
Breeding
Breeding in home aquaria is uncommon and not reliably reproducible. Most commercial production relies on hormonal stimulation. Females may release a few hundred greenish eggs among floating plant roots when spawning is triggered.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Population trends are unknown; pressures include overcollection for the aquarium trade and habitat degradation in parts of the range.