Kuhli loach care
Water temperature
75–86°F
Kuhli loaches do best at 75–86°F and pH 5.5–7. Plan on 20 gallons or more. Good tank mates include bettas, angelfish, guppies.
Hides in sand most of the day. Small fish and adult shrimp are safe; baby shrimp may get eaten.
Pangio kuhlii
- pH
- 5.5–7
- Minimum tank
- 20 gal
- Adult size
- 3.5 in
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Group
- Groups of 6+
- Lifespan
- 10–14 years
- Swims at
- Bottom
- Diet
- Omnivore
Best tank mates
BettaYes
AngelfishYes
GuppyYes
CorydorasYes
Cherry shrimpYes
Rummy nose tetraYes
Ember tetraYes
Cardinal tetraYes
DiscusYes
ApistogrammaYes
Silver dollarYes
Tiger barbYes
Full kuhli loach tank mate chart: 64 yes, 19 with care, 15 no
Kuhli loach water compared
Fish to keep away from kuhli loaches
- Goldfish Goldfish are coldwater animals (60–74°F); kuhli loaches need 75–86°F. No temperature suits both.
- Axolotl Axolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); kuhli loaches need 75–86°F. No temperature suits both.
- Oscar An adult oscar eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 3.5 inches kuhli loaches do.
- Jack Dempsey An adult jack dempsey eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 3.5 inches kuhli loaches do.
- Silver arowana An adult silver arowana eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 3.5 inches kuhli loaches do.
- African cichlid Different water: kuhli loaches want pH 5.5–7, african cichlids want pH 7.8–8.6.
- Convict cichlid Convict cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful kuhli loaches.
- Electric yellow cichlid Different water: kuhli loaches want pH 5.5–7, yellow labs want pH 7.8–8.6.
More loaches
Questions
What temperature do kuhli loaches need?
75–86 °F. Keep it steady with a heater.
What size tank does a kuhli loach need?
At least 20 gallons for a group. Adults reach about 3.5 inches.
How many kuhli loaches should I keep?
Groups of 6+. They are schooling fish and stress when kept alone.
What fish can live with kuhli loaches?
Bettas, Angelfish, Guppies, Corydoras, Cherry shrimp, Rummy nose tetras, among others. See the full list of 64 good matches.