Kuhli Loach

Pangio kuhlii

Also sold as Kuhli

Synonyms Coolie loach · Pangio semicincta · Kuhlii loach · Acanthophthalmus kuhlii

Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 10 cm (3.9 in) and swims along the bottom in a shoal. It wants 75–82°F (24–28°C) and pH 5.5–7, is kept in groups of 5 or more, and needs a tank of at least 60 L (16 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	10 cm (3.9 in)
Minimum tank	60 L (16 gal)
Group size	5 or more
Temperature	75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH	5.5–7
Temperament	Peaceful
GH	2–10
Lifespan	10–14 years
Eats shrimp	Shrimplets only

Before it goes in

Kuhli Loach needs at least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
Keep 5 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
It holds at 75–82°F (24–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
A group of 5 takes up roughly 144% of what a Dennerle Nano Cube 60L will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.

How many should I keep?

5 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.

Will it eat shrimp?

Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.

What water does it want?

75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 5.5–7, GH 2–10.

How long does it live?

10–14 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Kuhli Loach	Zebra Loach	Butterfly Hillstream Loach
Adult size	10 cm	9 cm	7.5 cm
Min tank	60 L	108 L	54 L
Group	5+	5+	6+
Temperature	75–82°F (24–28°C)	70–79°F (21–26°C)	61–75°F (16–24°C)
Eats shrimp	Shrimplets only	Yes	Shrimplets only

More livestock

Plan a tank with Kuhli Loach →

Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026