Kuhli loach
Pangio kuhlii
easy careOverview
The kuhli loach (Pangio kuhlii) is a slender, eel-like loach banded in dark and gold that spends its days threading through plants and burrowing in the substrate. It is peaceful, shy and largely nocturnal, so it needs the right conditions — a group, soft sand and plenty of hiding spots — to feel secure enough to come out. Given those, a wriggling group of kuhlis exploring the tank at dusk is one of the more entertaining sights in the hobby.
Tank & water
A group of six suits 75 litres (20 gallons) or more. Keep it warm and soft: 24–28 °C, slightly acidic, with a gentle filter.
- Soft sand: essential for their scaleless bodies and burrowing — see best aquarium sand and gravel and the substrate hub.
- Lots of hides: caves, driftwood and dense planting coax them into the open.
- Secure the tank: kuhlis are escape artists — cover gaps around the filter and lid.
Feeding
Kuhli loaches are bottom-foraging omnivores. Feed sinking pellets, wafers and granules, plus frozen or live bloodworm and daphnia, which they relish. A sinking food that reaches the bottom is essential — see our best fish food picks. Feed in the evening when they are active. Because they are shy and often feed after lights-out, it is easy to underfeed them in a busy community tank; drop food in near their hiding spots and make sure the faster mid-water fish are not intercepting every morsel before it reaches the bottom.
Tankmates
Peaceful and non-aggressive, kuhlis suit calm communities — tetras, rasboras, corydoras, gouramis, bettas and cherry shrimp (adult shrimp are safe). Avoid large or aggressive fish that will intimidate them. They mix well with peaceful bottom-dwellers like the bristlenose pleco.
Frequently asked questions
The kuhli loach is a peaceful, quirky bottom-dweller that rewards the right setup. Give it a group, soft sand and plenty of hiding spots, and it will reward you with lively evening displays for years.
Kuhli loach — frequently asked questions
Why do my kuhli loaches hide all the time?
Because they are shy and nocturnal, and because they feel exposed. Kuhlis kept alone or without cover stay hidden. Keep at least six of them, add plenty of hiding spots and soft sand to burrow into, and they will emerge far more, especially in the evening.
Do kuhli loaches need sand?
Soft sand is strongly recommended. Kuhlis love to burrow, and their soft, scaleless, eel-like bodies are easily scratched by sharp gravel. Smooth sand lets them dig safely and behave naturally.
How many kuhli loaches should I keep?
At least six. They are social loaches that feel secure and become far more active and visible in a group. In small numbers they hide almost permanently and miss out on their natural behaviour.
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