Kuhli Loach is sometimes known as eel loach, small freshwater fish. The scientific name of this fish is Pangio kuhlii, and synonymously known ‘coolie loach’. eel loach belongs to the family loach (Cobitidae), originate from inland of Java which is located in Indonesia.
In this care guide you will get to known about the Kuhli Loaches.That resembles to the miniature wriggly snakes, that fascinate tank. Let’s dive into the article to learn about khuli loach care.
Kuhli Loach size and Appearance
Kuhli Loaches is an active, hardy and friendly for new fish keepers. This fish is famous because of its black eyes, 4 bristly sensor around their mouth and have small fins. Moreover, their body have all most 10-15 dark brown or black color vertical bars. Many fish are labled under the title of kuhli loache, but Pangio kuhlii is commonly known for its band which are pinkish yellow and brown like bark.
Kuhli Loaches are the attractive fish from the family of loach (Cobitidae). It’s a classic beginner fish, famous because of its eel shape and bold dark verticle bars. However, when it comes to size khuli loach size is 3-4 inches reaching to its maximum length. In centimeters the khuli loach size is 7-10 cm, because of their long length they are resembles to small eel. This fish can lives for about 14 years.
Two Main Species of Kuhli Loach
The two main varieties of Kuhli Loach in aquarium trade are mentioned below:
- Black khuli loach: scientifically known as (Pangio oblonga)
- Sliver khuli loach: scientifically known as (Pangio anguillaris)
Kuhli Loach Characteristics
Khuli loaches is known for its three main characteristics:
- Shape: the fish have long and slender body .
- Behaviour: these are shy specie hiding in caves and substrate.
- Hardy: they are active, hardy and Khuli loache care is easy.
- Compatibility: a peaceful fish compatible to live with small and non aggressive fish.
Tank Parameters of Khuli loache
Khuli loache are good beginner fish, they are active, hardy and good for community tanks. Moreover, the ideal tank size for this 20 gallon. It is highly recommended to add at least three to 6 Khuli loaches in tank. As they feel safe and explore more. They don’t produce much waste as they are not much bioload.
While setting up the tank for Pangio kuhlii, they should be provided with lot of plants. These fish prefer the live plants like java fern and anubias. The important thing that should be keep in your mind while setting up the tank provide them the smooth places. Place those things that have plain and smooth edges. So that their soft and sensitive barbels will not damage.
Kuhli Loach Temperature or pH level
Khuli loaches are originate from Indonesia, they can live in wide range of pH and GH level. The best considered pH level for water is 5.5 -6.5 with the parameters of 75-86 degree fahrenhiets. They can also thrive in 7.0 pH level.The tank parameters set for Pangio kuhlii, is soft to hard water. Khuli loaches prefer smooth surfaces for easy search food from the bottom of tank.
For maintaining water conditions, you must have to add fresh water regularly. Use good quality filters in aquarium to keep your fish healthy and safe. As they are sensitive fish, tank should have plain surface, environment must be clean and maintained.
Feeding
The important thing comes in the khuli loache care is its feeding. Khuli loache, are the clean up members when they have to search food left by other species. They are omnivores they eat variety of food and they should be feed with good care. They prefer to have sinking food such as community pellets, frozen blood worms and live black worms.
When food is provided in the tank other species in tank get food before the khuli loaches. So it is prefer to feed them at night when the light is dim. The interesting fact is here that they don’t consume algae and aquarium plants. Like other family members of loaches they don’t eat shrimps and snails.
Breeding
khuli loaches usually don’t breed, but if some one is interested khuli loache should be feed with thick java moss. Then they should be provided with the hiding spaces for fry.
Khuli loache Tankmates
Khuli loaches are peaceful and bottom dwellers can be compatible of many community fish. They prefer to live with other peaceful fish like rasbora, danios, tetras and small barbs. Remember don’t keep them with the aggressive fish such as snails, shrimps and goldfish.
It is enough to say that….
Khuli loache (Pangio kuhlii) are the eel shaped fascinating freshwater fish. Its peaceful nature and unique appearance makes them prefect for aquarium. Their shy nature, slender body and bold bars on body add charm to the tank. Moreover, their behaviour, hardiness and low biolaod makes them compatible for other tankmates. It is considered good for beginners and experienced aquarist.
To keep them safe, healthy and happy provide them with soft, and clean environment. Feed them sinking food, they are preferred to feed at evening time. Moreover, they don’t usually breed in captivity. Overall Khuli loaches are wonderful fish for keepers because of their gentle behaviour, and beauty.
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