Kuhli Loach
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A gregarious eel-like species that needs to be kept in groups of three or more. Neil Hepworth
Overview
With a life-span of 10+ years, the eel-shaped Kuhli Loach makes an interesting, hardy addition to a peaceful community aquarium. Be careful—it possesses sharp cheek spines.
Family: Cobitidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Kuhli Loaches love planted aquariums with plenty of cover. Because they are sensitive to poor water quality, place in well-established aquariums only. Provide lots of hiding places and, because they spend their time burrowing in the sand in search of food, include a fine-grade or rounded gravel substrate.
Maximum length: 10 cm (4 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (72 °F) - 26 °C (79 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom
Feeding
Omnivore. It will accept a wide variety of commercial foods, including good-quality flakes, sinking pellets and frozen foods, such as bloodworms, mysid shrimp and brine shrimp. Feed first thing in the morning and just after the lights go out at night.
Aquarium Compatibility
Once acclimated, Kuhli Loaches are relatively undemanding and should be kept in groups of at least three to better enjoy their full range of antics. While it is possible to keep just one, this is a stressful existence for such a gregarious species and you may not even realize you have one, as it will remain hidden.
Breeding/Propagation
May occasionally spawn in the aquarium, but few reports have been made to date.
Notes
Kept in groups, they will become quite active, exhibiting all the “loachy” behaviors aquarists have come to know and love.