Black Kuhli Loach

The black kuhli loach (Pangio oblonga) is a peaceful, eel-like freshwater fish known for its solid dark brown to black body, nocturnal habits, and excellent bottom-scavenging skills.

Physical Traits and Lifespan

• Size: Grows to about 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 inches) long.
• Body: Slender, snake-like, and smooth with very small fins.
• Color: Uniform dark brown or deep black.
• Lifespan: Up to 10 years with proper care.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons to comfortably house a small group.
• Substrate: Fine, soft sand is required to protect their sensitive facial barbels.
• Water Parameters: Temperature between 73.5–80.5°F (23–27°C) and a soft, slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
• Setup: Include plenty of live plants, driftwood, and caves; a tight lid is mandatory because they are expert escape artists.

Behavior and Diet

• Social: Highly social and shy; they must be kept in groups of at least 4 to 6 individuals to feel secure.
• Temperament: Extremely peaceful, making them ideal for community aquariums with small tetras, rasboras, and corydoras.
• Diet: Omnivorous scavengers; they readily accept sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp.