Striped Kuhli Loach (Pangio semicincta)
Description
The Striped Kuhli Loach (Pangio semicincta) is an active and fascinating species of freshwater fish that is renowned for its eel-like body and striking pattern of alternating dark and light stripes. These loaches are shy, bottom-dwelling fish that thrive in peaceful aquariums. Native to Southeast Asia, particularly in slow-moving streams and rivers, they are often sought after for their unique appearance and lively behavior. Due to their small size and peaceful temperament, Striped Kuhli Loaches make great additions to community tanks, especially for those looking for interesting and peaceful species.
Key Features
- Scientific Name: Pangio semicincta
- Common Name: Striped Kuhli Loach
- Size: Up to 3.5 inches (9 cm)
- Temperament: Peaceful and shy
- Lifespan: 5-7 years with proper care
- Diet: Omnivorous – eats a wide range of foods, including sinking pellets, live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, and plant matter.
- Tank Level: Bottom-dweller, prefers to hide in substrate and decorations
Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small group (preferably 4 or more individuals)
- Water Temperature: 74°F to 82°F (23°C to 28°C)
- pH Range: 6.0 to 7.5
- Water Hardness: 5-12 dGH
- Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel, as they like to burrow and dig in the substrate.
- Tank Setup: A well-planted tank with lots of hiding spaces, such as caves, driftwood, and rocks. Kuhli Loaches are more active when they have places to retreat to, and dense plant cover helps replicate their natural environment.
Care Tips
- Striped Kuhli Loaches are nocturnal, so they are most active during the night or in low light conditions.
- These loaches are very shy and will often spend time hiding under rocks, in caves, or within plants during the day.
- They are social fish, so it’s best to keep them in groups of at least 4 to encourage natural behaviors and reduce stress.
- Ensure the tank has secure lids, as Kuhli Loaches are known to be escape artists.
- Kuhli Loaches are sensitive to poor water quality, so regular water changes and good filtration are essential.
Compatibility
The Striped Kuhli Loach is peaceful and does well in a community tank with other small, non-aggressive species, such as:
- Peaceful tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras)
- Corydoras Catfish
- Peaceful Gouramis
- Small livebearers (e.g., Guppies, Endler’s Livebearers)
- Shrimp (e.g., Amano Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp)
Why Choose Striped Kuhli Loaches?
The Striped Kuhli Loach is a captivating fish that adds an interesting dynamic to your tank with its unique eel-like shape and beautiful striped coloration. Perfect for peaceful community aquariums, these loaches offer entertainment and diversity with their bottom-dwelling habits and playful, nocturnal behavior. They are especially well-suited to aquarists with planted tanks or those looking for a species that doesn’t require high maintenance.
Current size is around 2.5-3"
Max size: 4"
Minimum tank size: 15 gallons
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Jumbo Kuhli loache
Fast delivery, and well packaged! The fish was vibrant and healthy!
