Species · Pangio semicincta / P. kuhlii (trade)

Kuhli loach: tank size, water and tank mates

Nocturnal burrower; needs sand and cover; cover filter intakes.

Adult size10 cm (3.9 in)
Minimum tank20 US gal
Temperature23–26 °C (73–79 °F)
pH5.5–6.5
Temperamentpeaceful
Keep in groups of6+
Swimsbottom
Shrimp & snailsUsually safe

Check a tank with Kuhli loach

Good tank mates for Kuhli loach

These species share its temperature range and temperament, with no fin-nipping or predation risk under our rules. Still check your tank size and bioload in the checker.

African butterflyfish · Amano shrimp · Angelfish · Banjo catfish · Betta (male) · Black neon tetra · Black phantom tetra · Black ruby barb · Black skirt tetra · Bleeding heart tetra · Bloodfin tetra · Blue acara · Bristlenose pleco · Bronze corydoras · Buenos Aires tetra · Cardinal tetra · Celestial pearl danio · Checkerboard barb · Cherry barb · Cherry shrimp · Chili rasbora · Clown killifish · Clown pleco · Cockatoo dwarf cichlid

Avoid with Kuhli loach

Boeseman's rainbowfish (temperature) · Common / comet goldfish (temperature) · Convict cichlid (aggression) · Demasoni cichlid (aggression) · Discus (temperature) · Fancy goldfish (temperature) · German blue ram (temperature) · Jack Dempsey (aggression) · Jewel cichlid (aggression) · Medaka (temperature) · Oscar (predation) · Paradise fish (temperature) · Pea puffer (aggression) · Rosy barb (temperature) · White cloud mountain minnow (temperature)

Sources

Checked 2026-11-09 · confidence: high. These are cautious community guidelines, not guarantees. Not veterinary advice. Report an error.