Black kuli Loach

Available in store only 

TE21

Kuhli Loaches Lifespan – Kuhli Loach Size

In the aquarium, Kuhli Loaches will reach up to 4 inches in length. In their natural habitats they can grow slightly larger. Kuhli loach lifespan is about 3-5 years with proper care.

Kuhli Loach Aquarium Parameters

Kuhli Loaches require a tank with soft, sandy substrates and plenty of hiding places. Tank temperature should stay between 72 to 79°F (22-26°C). The water pH should be 6.0-7.5 and the hardness should be 4-8 dGH. We recommend using an aquarium filter that produces little to no current, as strong currents can be damaging to this species. In general kuhli loach care is not difficult!

Subtypes Of Kuhli Loaches

There are currently two accepted subspecies of Kuhli Loach: the standard and orange-colored one. Both have a black stripe running along their sides and come from Southeast Asia. They can be distinguished by the orange coloration in the latter species. Other loaches like the black kuhli loach, leopard loach, silver kuhli, along with more kuhli loaches of many varieties are common in the aquarium trade. Black Kuhli loaches appear to be the most common available for sale.

Breed Kuhli Loaches – Creating a Breeding Environment

To create a breeding tank environment for the Kuhli Loach, the tank should have at least 10-gallon capacity and be densely planted. Driftwood pieces or rocks are beneficial in creating hiding places for the fish. The water should have a temperature range of 72 to 81°F (22-27°C) and a pH range of 6.0-7.5, with moderate hardness (10-20°dGH). The lighting should be dim and the tank should have an air-driven filter.

Breeding kuhli loaches ideally you will have a spawning mop or dense vegetation should be provided in the tank and the adult kuhli loaches should be well-fed. Floating plants also are ideal to use in addition to the spawning mop. If breeding is successful, the female kuhli loaches will lay a few hundred fish eggs among plants or on solid surfaces such as wood or rocks. After spawning, the parents should be removed from the tank to prevent them from eating their own eggs. The eggs will hatch after four days and the fry should be fed liquid food and small live foods. This is why breeing tank or care tank for the babies to hacth into is ideal. Breeding kuhli loaches is a rewarding experience.

Kuhli Loaches and Aquatic Plants

Kuhli Loaches prefer a planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots. Suitable plants include Java Fern, Floating plants, Java moss, Anubias and Cryptocoryne and should be organized in such a way that the fish can hide among them. Kuhli loaches seek shelter when they feel stressed thus plants provide an ideal place for them.

Kuhli Loach Diseases

Kuhli Loaches are highly susceptible to various diseases such as Ich, Dropsy, and bacterial and fungal infections like any other freshwater fish. It is important to keep a kuhli loach tank clean in order to prevent the spread of any disease. Proper filtration as well as regular water changes are also necessary for keeping a healthy environment in the aquarium.

Ich

is caused by protozoan parasites and can be treated using a variety of medications available at pet stores.

Dropsy

Dropsy is a fatal condition that can also occur in kuhli loach. Symptoms include bloating and discoloration, and it is usually caused by poor water conditions or an inadequate diet. If you suspect your fish has Dropsy, it can be treated using antibiotics.

Bacterial and fungal infections

Bacterial and fungal infections, such as Finrot or Cottonmouth can occur in kuhli loach due to poor water conditions. These can be treated using a variety of over-the-counter medications.

If any sickness is spotted in your fish tank it is recommended to remove your kuhli loach and any other fish species. Removing not only your kuhli loach but other fish will ensure the spread of any disease stops form fish to fish.

Ideal tank mates

Kuhli Loaches “Coolie loach” are peaceful schooling fish/non aggressive fish and social fish that are best kept in groups of five or more. When selecting great freshwater fish tank mates, it’s important to choose small, peaceful aquarium fish that won’t outcompete them for food. Good choices include oddball fish like Danios and Rasboras, as they are peaceful fish and will school together. To create a suitable habitat for the kuhli loach, it’s important to provide plenty of hiding places and shade. Anubias and Cryptocoryne should be arranged in such a way that the Kuhli Loaches can hide among them. Finally, make sure to equip the tank with a tight-fitting lid as the kuhli loach is a good escape artist.

Aquarium Shrimp are good tank mates for the kuhli loaches, as they are also peaceful aquarium inhabitants. Shrimp can provide valuable help in keeping your home aquarium clean since they often graze on algae and other detritus that Kuhli loach wouldn’t normally eat. Additionally, their variety of sizes and colors will bring more life to the tank along side the kuhli loach.