Can kuhli loaches live with pencilfish?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, kuhli loaches and pencilfish can live together. Both are fine at 75–82°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

Kuhli loachKuhli loach75–86°F · pH 5.5–7 PencilfishPencilfish75–82°F · pH 5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–82°Kuhli loach 75–86°Pencilfish 75–82°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 5.5–7Kuhli loach 5.5–7Pencilfish 5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Kuhli loach · 3.5 inPencilfish · 2 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

Kuhli loachPencilfish
Temperature75–86 °F75–82 °F
pH5.5–75–7.5
Adult size3.5 in2.0 in
Minimum tank20 gal15 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for kuhli loaches

All kuhli loach tank mates

Better tank mates for pencilfish

All pencilfish tank mates

Questions

Can kuhli loaches live with pencilfish?

Yes, kuhli loaches and pencilfish can live together. Both are fine at 75–82°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both kuhli loaches and pencilfish?

75–82 °F. Kuhli loaches need 75–86 °F, pencilfish need 75–82 °F.

What size tank do kuhli loaches and pencilfish need together?

At least 20 gal, set by the kuhli loach. Add space for each extra fish.