Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii)

The Kuhli Loach is a peaceful, eel-like bottom-dwelling fish that is highly valued for its unique appearance and fascinating behavior. With its slender body and distinctive black and yellow banding, this nocturnal species spends much of its time exploring the substrate, hiding among plants, driftwood, and caves. Kuhli Loaches are excellent scavengers and make a fantastic addition to peaceful community and planted aquariums. Best kept in groups, they become more confident and active when housed with others of their own kind.

What We Like About This Fish
Unique eel-like body with attractive black and yellow bands
Peaceful and ideal for community aquariums
Excellent scavenger that helps clean up leftover food
Perfect for planted aquariums with soft substrates
More active and entertaining when kept in groups
Recommended Tank Parameters
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (75 liters)
Temperature: 24–30°C (75–86°F)
pH: 5.5–7.5
KH: 2–8 dKH
Water Flow: Gentle to moderate

A soft sandy substrate, plenty of hiding places, driftwood, caves, and dense planting will help Kuhli Loaches feel secure and encourage natural behavior.

Care Guidelines

Diet:
Omnivorous. Eats sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex, and other small meaty foods.

Social Behavior:
Very peaceful and social. Best kept in groups of at least 5–6 individuals.

Origin:
Tank-bred; native to Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, and surrounding regions)

Average Adult Size:
8–10 cm (3–4 inches)

Average Purchase Size:
5-6 cm (2.5 inches)

Shrimp Safe:
Generally YES with adult shrimp. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten, but Kuhli Loaches are considered one of the safest loach species for shrimp aquariums.