If you are looking peaceful and bottom dweller, then kuhli loach is a good option for you. In this article we will discuss black kuhli loach not much popular fish but compatible for tanks.
Black kuhli loach is commonly know by the name of Pangio oblonga. This fish belongs to the family of loach (Cobitidae). This specie originate from java in Southeast Asia, also from Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand. This fish usually inhabit the forest stream, which is characterize by slow water flow, mud and bottom is covered with leaves.
This specie is also name as Java loach, one of the least concern have no threat in future, because they are widely distributed.
Black Kuhli Loach Appearance
This fish is an active, hardy and friendly for new fish keepers. This fish typically look like Pangio, different from Kuhli Loach. They don’t have is 4 bristly sensor around their mouth like kuhli Loach. Whereas, Pangio oblonga have small tentacles. Moreover, their body don’t have bold strips pattern and have muddy brown color. Many fish are label under the title of kuhli loach, but Pangio oblonga is not commonly known.
This Kuhli Loach are from the family of loach (Cobitidae). It’s a classic beginner fish, known because of its eel shape and dark and almost black coloration However, when it comes to its size kuhli loach size is 3 inches reaching to its maximum length. In centimeters the this fish is 7cm, because of their long length they are resembles to small eel. This fish can lives for about 10 years.
Characteristics of Black Kuhli Loach
Black Kuhli loach is famous for its four main characteristics:
- Shape: the fish have long and slender body .
- Behaviour: these are peaceful and social specie known for their shy nature and hiding in caves and substrate.
- Spines: they have spines below their eyes that can be the defense mechanism for them.
- Compatibility: a compatible fish to live with same temperature fish.
Tank Parameters of Kuhli loach
Black Kuhli loach are good beginner fish, they are active, hardy and good for community tanks. Moreover, the ideal tank size for this 15 gallon. While setting up the tank for Pangio oblonga, they should be provided with lot of sand and leaf litters.
These fish spend most of their time in hiding to some place. The important thing that should be keep in your mind while setting up the tank provide them the smooth places. Tank should be decorate with live plants, driftwood and rocks. Make sure to add things those things which don’t harm the sensitive barbels of fish.
Temperature or pH level
Black Kuhli loach are originate from Southeast Asia, they can live in soft and acidic water. The best considered pH level for water is 4-7 with the parameters of 73.5-80.5 degree fahrenhiets. If your water pH level 7.0 then you have to adjust it.The tank parameters set for Pangio oblonga, is soft to hard water. This specific Kuhli loach prefer leaf litter and water osmosis.
For maintaining water conditions, you must have to water weekly. 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
Black kuhli loach is a nocturnal fish, don’t parade around the tank daily. The are hiding all day and you see them hardly every day. By the means of food, you can take them out from hiding spaces. The Black kuhli take up sand for food and eat only edible food from them. They prefer to eat bugs and larvae, also the sinking food or frozen food.
Breeding
There no such reference is find on the breeding of black kuhli loach. So, it is hard say any about this, but some done this by administrating hormones injections for spawning.
Black Kuhli Loach Tankmates
Black Kuhli loach are peaceful and social can be compatible to many community fish. It is recommended to add at least three or 5 or more fish in tank. As they feel safe and explore more.They prefer to live with other peaceful fish like rasbora, dwarf danios, and microrasbora or pea puffers.
Conclusion
Black Kuhli loach (Pangio oblonga) are the eel shape fascinating freshwater fish. Its peaceful nature and have dark brown color. Their social nature, slender body and dark color add charm to the tank. Moreover, their behaviour, hardiness and spines 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 layer of sand, and clean environment. Feed them sinking food, they preferred to hide all day. Moreover, they don’t usually breed in captivity. Overall black Kuhli loach are wonderful fish for keepers because of their gentle behaviour, and beauty.
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