Can Bettas Live With Kuhli Loaches?
Edited by Ivan F.
Short answer
Yes
Yes, in a tank with plenty of cover. Kuhli loaches hide by day and come out at night, so they spend little time near a betta, though they need their own food and a group of their own kind.
One retailer calls this a safe choice because the two keep different shifts: the loaches rest together in the daytime and feed once the lights go out, when a betta is asleep. Seriously Fish describes these loaches as peaceful with other fish, with no reports of them harming tankmates. It also says some small loaches suit a betta, but only after proper research.
How they compare
Figures come from our species pages. Shared ranges are where both animals are comfortable.
Betta and Kuhli Loach
- Adult size
- Betta: 2.8 in (7 cm)
- Kuhli Loach: 3.9 in (10 cm)
- Minimum tank
- Betta: 11 US gal (41 L)
- Kuhli Loach: 14 US gal (54 L)
- Temperature
- Betta: 72–86°F (22–30°C)
- Kuhli Loach: 70–79°F (21–26°C)
- pH
- Betta: 6–8
- Kuhli Loach: 3.5–7
- Hardness
- Betta: 1–15 dGH
- Kuhli Loach: 0–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Betta: Territorial/Aggressive
- Kuhli Loach: Peaceful
- Swim zone
- Betta: Top
- Kuhli Loach: Bottom
Shared by both
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6–7
Hardness: 1–8 dGH
Largest species minimum
14 US gallons (54 L), from Kuhli Loach. This is a starting point, not a stocking plan.
What to watch for
- Buy several. Seriously Fish treats a group as the minimum purchase, because they pack together when resting.
- Provide roots, rock or driftwood, so they have somewhere to squeeze into by day.
- Drop in sinking food, and make sure some reaches them after dark.
- Expect to see little of them. Hiding is normal for this fish and not a sign of trouble.
Tank setup
Gear for the largest setup on this page
A forgiving setup with room for a small community.
Tank size for the largest species (Kuhli Loach)
At least 14 US gallons (54 L)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Will kuhli loaches bother my betta?
It is unlikely. Seriously Fish reports no cases of them harming tankmates, although they may eat eggs or fry. They are active when a betta is resting.
Why can I never see my kuhli loaches?
They are nocturnal and hide during the day, often packed together in a single gap. Look with a dim light after dark, and count them when you feed.