Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Striped Kuhli Loach is native to regions of southeast Asia, however the majority of individuals within the aquarium trade are sourced from aquaculture. Identified by their eel-like body with interchangeable yellow and dark brown bands, the Striped kuhli loach adds a unique presence and look into the community aquarium. Their striped pattern can easily distinguish them from the Black Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii). Kuhli loach are social, and will not hide as much when kept in groups of 4 or more individuals. Additionally, strong and bright lighting can make your Striped kuhli loach take cover until it has adjusted to its new environment. The average Striped kuhli loach can reach an adult size of approximately 4″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Striped kuhli loaches are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, tablet foods or sinking pellet foods are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and other mixed freshwater preparations. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 5 gallon aquarium would be adequete for a lone Kuhli, while a 15 or larger is ideal for a small group of Striped kuhli loaches. Kuhli loaches are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters ideal (Nitrates < 30 ppm). Kuhli loaches do not like excessive water movement, and care should be taken to ensure there is no way your kuhli loach can enter your internal or power filter. Kuhli loaches require a sandy to fine substrate; too coarse of a substrate could cause injury to them because they do bury themselves. Kuhli loaches are opportunistic scavengers, making them very beneficial to have to forage for extra food of all kinds that has fallen to the substrate. Given their size and temperament, Striped kuhli loaches rarely conflict with other fish but can be easily bullied by more semi-aggressive bottom-dwelling scavenger species. It is best to refrain from adding other fish that occupy the bottom of the aquarium to avoid this and extra competition. Choose tank mates accordingly, but some common compatible options include tetras, rasboras, angelfish, dwarf cichlids, and livebearers. Different species, or color patterns, of Kuhli loach can be mixed with success. Recommended water conditions, 74-84° F, KH 4-12, pH 6.0-8.0.

Purchase Size: Medium: 2” to 2-1/2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.