Here is a clean summary of the Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii):

🐟 Kuhli Loach Overview

• Common Names: Kuhli Loach, Coolie Loach, Leopard Loach

• Scientific Name: Pangio kuhlii

• Family: Cobitidae

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand)

• Lifespan: 7–10 years (sometimes up to 14 years)

🎨 Appearance

• Size: 3–4 inches (7–10 cm)

• Shape: Slender, eel-like body

• Color: Light pinkish-yellow body with 10–15 dark vertical bands

• Fins: Small, transparent

• Barbels: Four pairs around the mouth used for foraging

• Special Feature: Spine below each eye (used defensively)

💧 Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel (prevents injury to barbels)

• Décor: Provide hiding spots—plants, driftwood, rocks, caves

• Lighting: Low to moderate

• Water Flow: Gentle to moderate

• Cover: Must have a secure lid—Kuhlis are escape artists

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)

• pH: 5.5–7.5 (slightly acidic preferred)

• Hardness: 3–8 dGH (soft to moderately hard)

• Water Quality: Sensitive to poor conditions—requires clean, stable water

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivore

• Primary Foods:

  • Sinking pellets or wafers

  • Frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)

• Feeding Tip: Feed at night; they are shy and nocturnal

🧠 Behavior

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy

• Activity: Most active at night; hides during the day

• Social: Needs to be kept in groups of 5–8 or more

• Tank Level: Bottom dweller, loves to burrow

🧬 Compatibility

• Good Tankmates:

  • Tetras, rasboras, danios

  • Small peaceful gouramis

  • Corydoras catfish

  • Snails and shrimp (with caution)

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive or large fish

  • Fast, competitive eaters

🥚 Breeding

• Difficulty: Moderate to hard

• Method:

  • Rarely bred in home tanks

  • Requires a stress-free environment and soft, acidic water

  • Eggs laid among plants or roots

  • Fry need tiny foods (infusoria, powdered fry food)

❤️ Health Notes

• Watch For:

  • Barbel infections (from sharp substrate)

  • Ich and bacterial infections

  • Avoid copper-based medications

• Care Tips:

  • Use sponge filters or pre-filters on intakes

  • Maintain stable, clean water conditions

✅ Quick Reference Table

IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.