Kuhli Loach

The Kuhli Loach, *Pangio kuhlii*, is a slender, eel-shaped freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, including the islands of Java and Sumatra, as well as Malaysia and Singapore. It is characterized by its elongated body with slightly compressed sides and typically reaches a maximum length of approximately 10 cm. The Kuhli Loach exhibits a distinctive color pattern, featuring 10-15 dark brown to black vertical bands along a salmon-pink to yellow body, with a lighter ventral area. The species possesses four pairs of barbels around its mouth, which it uses to locate food. Kuhli Loaches are social creatures, preferring to live in groups. They are most active during twilight and at night, foraging for food among the substrate. In their natural habitat, they inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with sandy beds. Sexing these fish is difficult, but females tend to be larger during breeding season. These loaches thrive in well-maintained aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water, and ample hiding places.