Can kuhli loaches live with flowerhorns?
Verdict
No
No. Kuhli loaches and flowerhorns should not share a tank. An adult flowerhorn eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 3.5 inches kuhli loaches do.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAn adult flowerhorn eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 3.5 inches kuhli loaches do.
- Deal breakerFlowerhorns are aggressive and will bully peaceful kuhli loaches.
- Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.
What works
- Both are fine at 80–86°F.
- They use different parts of the tank: kuhli loaches the bottom, flowerhorns the mid.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Kuhli loach | Flowerhorn | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–86 °F | 80–89 °F |
| pH | 5.5–7 | 7–8 |
| Adult size | 3.5 in | 12.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 20 gal | 75 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Aggressive |
| Swims at | Bottom | Middle |
| Group | Groups of 6+ | One per tank |
| Diet | Omnivore | Carnivore |
Better tank mates for kuhli loaches
Questions
Can kuhli loaches live with flowerhorns?
No. Kuhli loaches and flowerhorns should not share a tank. An adult flowerhorn eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 3.5 inches kuhli loaches do.
What temperature suits both kuhli loaches and flowerhorns?
80–86 °F. Kuhli loaches need 75–86 °F, flowerhorns need 80–89 °F.
What size tank do kuhli loaches and flowerhorns need together?
At least 75 gal, set by the flowerhorn. Add space for each extra fish.