FreshwaterIntermediate
©AI Generated·Proprietary
Pangio kuhlii — Kuhli Loach

Kuhli Loach

Pangio kuhlii

Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii) is a freshwater species with an adult-size reference of about 12 cm. It needs at least 80 litres and 6 individuals, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.

Water Temperature

24 - 28 °C

pH Value

5.5 - 7

Water type

Freshwater

Tank level

Bottom

Adult size

12 cm

Minimum tank volume

>= 80 L

Minimum group

>= 6

GH

1 - 10 dGH

KH

1 - 5 dKH

TDS

25 - 200 ppm

Conductivity

39 - 313 uS/cm

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Pangio kuhlii; the verified classification records genus Pangio, family Cobitidae, order Cypriniformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Kuhli Loach is social and should be kept in a group. The minimum reference is 6 individuals; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Aquarium Setup: Kuhli Loach needs an aquarium of at least 80 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of 6 individuals. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is omnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater species; the card's reference values are 24–28 °C, pH 5.5–7. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally peaceful temperament. Keep at least 6 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Use a secure cover and close escape gaps. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.

Geographic origin and distribution

A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.

Origin

South and Southeast Asia

Fish profile

Temperament
Peaceful
Kuhli Loach has a generally peaceful temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
Diet
Omnivore
They are unfussy omnivorous scavengers. They will enthusiastically hunt down sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and detritus. Ensure some food actually reaches the bottom for them to find.
Life expectancy
5-10 years
Adult size
12 cm
Sex ratio
Group
Kuhli Loach is social and should be kept in a group. The reference minimum is 6 individuals and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
Feeding frequency
Twice daily
Feed them once a day, ideally shortly before lights out. They forage continuously throughout the night in the substrate. Small sinking portions ensure they get their share without overfeeding the tank.
Bioload
Low to Medium
They possess a very low bioload suitable for nano tanks. Their thin bodies do not produce significant amounts of biological waste. They actually help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food.
Flow
Stagnant
They prefer gentle to moderate flow that doesn't disrupt the substrate. A very strong current will make it difficult for them to forage comfortably. Diffused filter outputs work perfectly for their needs.
Jump risk
Yes
They are notorious escape artists that can jump or slither out. They can easily squeeze through the smallest gaps around filter pipes. A tight-fitting lid and sponge pre-filters are completely mandatory.
Reproduction
Oviparous
Breeding them in captivity is rare but occasionally happens by accident. They scatter bright green eggs among dense vegetation or roots. Specific triggers are poorly understood, but mature heavily planted tanks offer the best chance.
Compatibility & tankmates
Community
The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally peaceful temperament. Keep at least 6 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Tank level
Bottom
They strictly inhabit the bottom of the aquarium. They spend their time burrowing into soft sand or hiding under leaf litter. You will almost never see them swimming near the surface.

Scientific Parameters & Models

FishBase

Window to the official scientific data of the species

FishBase v25.04Data synced on: 06/15/2026
Trophic level
3.6 ± 0.4 se
Resilience
Medium (1.4 - 4.4 years)
Generation time
3 years
Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
0.5
Bayesian Length-Weight
a = 0.00501, b = 3.08
VulnerabilityLow to moderate vulnerability (30 / 100)