Black Coolie Khuli Loach Pangio kuhlii 4cm

Overview

The Black Kuhli Loach is a uniformly dark chocolate-brown to black form of the familiar banded Kuhli, with the same slender eel-like body and whiskered snout. It spends the day tucked into sand or plant roots, emerging at dusk to wriggle around the tank floor. From the forest streams and peat swamps of Southeast Asia, it suits calm, planted community tanks.

• Adult Size: Around 8–10 cm (3–4 in)
• Lifespan: 10 years or more

Origin

• Native to: Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo
• Habitat: Shaded, slow forest streams and blackwater peat swamps

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous micropredator
• Preferred Foods: Sinking granules, bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, microworms, tubifex
• Feeding Habits: Feed at dusk once daily; make sure food reaches the sand

Tank Mates

• Best with: Small tetras, rasboras, dwarf gouramis, corydoras, other kuhlis
• Avoid: Large or boisterous fish, cichlids, anything that eats slender fish

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy
• Territoriality: None; far bolder in groups of five or more

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
• Challenges: Reclusive; needs sand, cover and careful medication choices

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic
• Temperature: 21–26°C (70–79°F)
• pH: 5.5–7.0
• Hardness: 0–8 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 60 litres for a group of six

Final Notes

Kuhlis are long-lived and disappear for hours, so buy a group of at least six; a single fish simply hides. They squeeze through filter inlets and jump, so cover intakes and fit a tight lid. Use fine sand to protect their barbels, add leaf litter and driftwood, and avoid copper-based medicines on their scaleless skin. Fish sold as Pangio kuhlii are usually Pangio semicincta; care is identical, and they may eat eggs.