Kuhli Loaches are social creatures and must be maintained in good sized groups ““ five would be considered the absolute minimum number. It is very important that the aquarium is well matured and has a sandy substrate in order to protect the delicate sensory barbel area of these inquisitive bottom-dwelling fish. Kuhli Loaches will very much appreciate areas of dense planting, where they can congregate and literally “˜hang around”™ together. In the wild, these fish live amongst the leaf litter of their native waterways, and many aquarists find that keeping – and regularly replacing – dried Indian Almond Leaves (Terminalia catappa) on the bottom of their aquarium provides these fish with natural hiding places and conditions. If housing smaller specimens, be sure to protect them from any filter or powerhead intakes as they do like to try and squeeze into tiny nooks and crevices. Kuhli Loaches are a peaceful species and do well in quieter tanks with tankmates of a similar disposition. It must be mentioned that there are many, many different striped Kuhli Loach species living in south east Asia, a fair number of which are exported in the aquatics trade, and often misidentified. The vast majority have similar needs to those described here.
Synonyms | Acanthophthalmus kuhlii, Cobitis kuhlii |
Distribution | Sumatra, Borneo and Java, Indonesia. Also Malaysia and Thailand. |
Maximum Size | 10cm (4") |
Temperature | 24-28°C |
Water Parameters | Soft and slightly acidic is best long-term. pH: 6.0-7.0, dH: up to 12 degrees. |
Compatibility | Community |
Lighting | Low |
Sexual Dimorphism | Females are noticeably plumper when filled with eggs. |
Feeding | Catfish pellets, flake and frozen foods |
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