Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
Also known as Coolie Loach, Leopard Loach
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
An eel-like, striped loach that loves burrowing through soft sand and piling into caves with its friends. It is completely peaceful, though it mostly comes out at dusk. Keep a group, use soft sand and plenty of hiding spots, and you will see far more of them.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 14 US gal
- Footprint
- 24 x 12 in
- Temperature
- 70–79 °F
- pH
- 3.5–7
- Hardness
- 0–8 dGH
- Swim zone
- Bottom
- Min group
- 6 fish
- Lifespan
- 3–10 years
Kuhli Loach care mistakes to avoid
The mistakes beginners most often make with this species.
- Do not buy just one or two. Keep at least 6 fish so they feel secure.
- Use soft sand. It burrows constantly, and sharp gravel can injure it.
- Cover the filter intake. Their slim bodies can slip into gaps and get trapped.
- Use a tight lid, because loaches are skilled at escaping through small gaps.
- Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 14 US gallons.
Kuhli Loach tank mates and swim zone
Bottom
Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.
Paracheirodon innesi
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Trigonostigma espei
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Kuhli Loach is much larger than Ember Tetra and may frighten or even eat it.
Boraras brigittae
Kuhli Loach is much larger than Chili Rasbora and may frighten or even eat it.
Danio margaritatus
Kuhli Loach is much larger than Celestial Pearl Danio and may frighten or even eat it.
Tanichthys albonubes
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Common tank-mate questions
Kuhli Loach feeding and care
How to feed
- Feed sinking pellets or wafers after the lights go out.
- Add frozen bloodworm and daphnia, which it hunts in the substrate.
- Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.
Telling males from females
Adult females are heavier in the body and a little larger. Males have a thicker, larger first ray on the pectoral fin.
Plants that suit it
Species facts
- Family
- Cobitidae
- Native to
- Malaysia, Sumatra, Java and Borneo
- Adult size
- 3.9 in (10 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social needs
- Schooling/Shoaling (6+)
- Diet
- Micro-Predator
- Water flow
- Gentle
- Substrate
- Fine Sand Required
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Shrimp
- Adult Shrimp Only
- Fin nipping
- None
- Vulnerable to nippers
- No
- Breeding
- Difficult in Home Tanks
Kuhli Loach FAQ
What size tank do Kuhli Loaches need?
Our sourced minimum is 14 US gallons (54 liters), with a footprint of 60 x 30 cm. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Kuhli Loaches should I keep?
Keep at least 6 fish. Bigger groups usually look better and behave more confidently.
What can live with Kuhli Loaches?
Good matches on our list include Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra and Black Neon Tetra. Avoid Endler's Livebearer and Platy.
How long do Kuhli Loaches live?
Care guides report about 3–10 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
Why do I never see my kuhli loaches?
They are shy and most active in dim light. A larger group and plenty of cover makes them much bolder, and they often show up at feeding time.
Where to buy Kuhli Loach
We have not found a store that sells Kuhli Loach under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Complete the tank
A forgiving setup with room for a small community.
Tank size for this species
At least 14 US gallons (54 L), 60 x 30 cm footprint
Filter
Hang-on-back or large sponge filter
Easy to maintain and strong enough for a community without blasting the fish.
We are still choosing products for this.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 100 W at 20 gallons, about 150 W at 29
Enough power to hold a stable temperature in most homes. Size up for a cold room.
We are still choosing products for this.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.