Kuhli Loach care

Pangio kuhlii · Freshwater · Beginner level care

A shy, eel like loach that hides all day.

Smallest tank20 gallons

Adult size3.5 inches

Temperature75 to 79°F

pH5.5 to 7

GroupA group of 5 or more

TemperamentPeaceful

SwimsBottom of the tank

Lives8 to 10 years

Watch for: Cover filter intakes, since they squeeze into small gaps, and use sand.

Feeding

Once a day. One or two sinking pellets or wafers per fish, eaten within a few minutes. Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, sinking wafers.

Fish that pass every check with Kuhli Loach in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Kuhli Loach.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow: White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Kuhli Loach need different water temperatures.
German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Kuhli Loach need different water temperatures.
Discus: Discus and Kuhli Loach need different water temperatures.
Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Kuhli Loach.
Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Kuhli Loach.
Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey is aggressive and will bully peaceful Kuhli Loach.
Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Kuhli Loach.

What size tank does a Kuhli Loach need?

At least 20 gallons for a group of 5. Adults grow to about 3.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Kuhli Loach like?

75 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 5.5 to 7. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Kuhli Loach should I keep together?

Keep 5 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Kuhli Loach eat?

Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, sinking wafers. Feed once a day: one or two sinking pellets or wafers per fish, eaten within a few minutes.

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.