How big does Kuhli Loach get?

Kuhli Loach reaches an adult standard length of 7–10 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.

What water does Kuhli Loach need?

24–28 °C, pH 5.5–7, 1–8 dGH. That is only 4 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.

What is the smallest tank for Kuhli Loach?

At least 60 L, and no shorter than 60 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is a schooling fish: keep at least 6 together. Fewer than that and it hides, loses colour, and aggression has nowhere to spread.

What is Kuhli Loach like to keep?

Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the bottom and is carnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".

G-01 / 38Freshwater

Kuhli Loach苦力泥鳅

Pangio kuhlii · Cobitidae

A snake-like loach that burrows in sand and will be found outside any tank with an unsealed gap.

Illustration to come

G-01 / 38 · Kuhli Loach Pangio kuhlii

SpecificationsFish atlas

Name: 苦力泥鳅
Scientific name: Pangio kuhlii
Family: Cobitidae
Origin: Southeast Asia (Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Borneo)
Adult size: 7–10 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Water level: Bottom
Level: Beginner
School size: ≥ 6
Min. tank: 60 L
Min. length: 60 cm
Plant safe: Leaves plants alone

Water requirementsFreshwater

Temp.24–28 °C

pH5.5–7

Hardness1–8 dGH

Units: temperature in °C, hardness in German degrees (dGH / dKH), marine salinity as specific gravity at 25 °C, volume in litres. These are the values recorded for the species and do not follow the site unit switcher.

Keeping notes

1Its slender body squeezes into any gap, so seal the lid and cover filter intakes.
2Loves burrowing in fine sand and leaf litter, so soft substrate suits it best.
3Only in groups of six or more will it venture out by day; it is shy and dislikes bright light.
4A small carnivore on bloodworm and micro sinking food in soft, acidic water at 24-28 °C.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Kuhli Loach get?: Kuhli Loach reaches an adult standard length of 7–10 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.
What water does Kuhli Loach need?: 24–28 °C, pH 5.5–7, 1–8 dGH. That is only 4 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.
What is the smallest tank for Kuhli Loach?: At least 60 L, and no shorter than 60 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is a schooling fish: keep at least 6 together. Fewer than that and it hides, loses colour, and aggression has nowhere to spread.
What is Kuhli Loach like to keep?: Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the bottom and is carnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".