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Kuhli Loach

Pangio kuhlii

Eel-like, snake-shaped loaches with orange and dark brown bands. Nocturnal burrowers that hide during the day and emerge at night to scavenge. Endlessly charming — they pile on top of each other in groups.

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Quick Facts

Max Size4"
Lifespan10+ years
Min Tank20 gal
DietOmnivore
SchoolingYes (5+)
OriginAsia

Water Parameters

Temperature2228°C
pH Range5.57

Natural Habitat

Slow-moving, sandy-bottomed streams with leaf litter and root tangles in Southeast Asian forests.

Region

Southeast Asia

Countries

Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand

Feeding

Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, snails. Feed in the evening when they're most active.

Compatible Tank Mates

Good Matches

TetrasRasborasCorydorasGouramisShrimpOtocinclus

Avoid

Aggressive bottom-dwellersLarge predatory fish

Breeding

Rarely breeds in captivity. Egg scatterer. Green eggs are occasionally found attached to floating plants.

Care Tips

Sand substrate is essential — they burrow into it

Keep in groups of 5+ for confidence

Nocturnal — feed at lights-out

Will find gaps in any lid — secure all openings

Extremely long-lived — 10+ years is common

More Loaches

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Chromobotia macracanthus

12"Intermediate

Dwarf Chain Loach

Ambastaia sidthimunki

2.5"Intermediate

Hillstream Loach

Sewellia lineolata

3"Intermediate

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