The eel-like, peaceful STRIPED Kuhli Loach Loach is one of the most unique and fascinating loaches! This fish really does prefer to be in a group of at least six.
The STRIPED Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii/semicincta), also known as the Coolie Loach, is a longtime favorite for the community and planted aquarium. This peaceful fish is very distinctive for its eel-like body, which is a brown to burgundy color covered with bright orange stripes. Native to Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo (and possibly other nearby areas), the Kuhli Loach has become less available in recent years. The possible reason for this is that many importers of this fish have not understood or provided proper care, thus making healthy specimens scarce. Aquatic Arts quarantines all of our Kuhli Loaches before the sale, as does our supplier for these magnificent fish!
The STRIPED Kuhli Loach is a relatively undemanding fish, provided that a few specific needs are met. This fish is generally native to rivers and streams of low water flow. The pH of these waterways can be excessively acidic due to a lot of dead leaves and other decaying plant matter. While the Kuhli Loach can acclimate to neutral or slightly alkaline water over time, it should at first be kept in acidic water that is less than 7.0 pH. This shy fish can be sensitive during shipping and when initially introduced to a new tank. It must be provided with a great deal of cover and refuge in order to feel secure. It also must be kept in groups of at least 6 or more. As with most fish, it also requires a clean, well-maintained aquarium. The Kuhli Loach is typically an unfussy eater that will accept most sinking foods, but it should also be offered live or frozen foods of appropriate size. It will maintain its best health and coloration with a varied diet of high-quality meaty foods.Â
- Temperature: 70° – 79° F (21° – 26° C)
- pH:Â 5.5 – 7.0
- KH:Â 2 – 10 dKH
- Minimum tank size:Â 20 gallons
- Diet: Scavenger/Micropredator. Prefers sinking pellets, but will also accept most flake foods and algae wafers, and should also be provided with live/frozen foods such as freeze-dried daphnia, bloodworms, tubifex, etc.
- Social behavior:Â Peaceful. Must be kept in groups of 6 or more.
- Origin:Â Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Java, Borneo, Sumatra
- Average adult size:Â 3 – 4 inches (7.6 to 10 cm)
- Average purchase size:Â 2 – 3 inches (5 – 7.6 cm)
Katherine –
These are the fish that I’ve wanted for the longest; since I started this hobby last year. They are smaller than I thought they would be but so darn cute! I thought since they were night creatures I worked rarely e them as some have suggested but mine started to come out the second day and all they do is swim in circles up the side of the tank all day for the most part lol!
I’m so pleased with this purchase thank you so much!
Carolyn –
I ordered three Kuhli loaches for my 50 gal tank and they arrived squirming around their bag just waiting to be released. They were far smaller than I expected, but were young and would eventually grow bigger. Their just sooo small and adorable .