The Kuhli loach (Pangio kuhlii), also known as the coolie loach or eel loach, is a popular, peaceful, eel-like freshwater fish prized for its distinctive orange-pink body wrapped in dark vertical bands. Hailing from the tropical waters of Southeast Asia, these nocturnal bottom-dwellers add exceptional personality to peaceful community aquariums.  

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is required. A longer tank footprint is highly preferred to maximize their bottom-dwelling footprint.  
• Substrate: Soft sand is vital. They sift through substrate for food and love to burrow; rough gravel can easily scratch their scale-less skin and damage their delicate sensory barbels.  
• Hiding Places: They require a heavily decorated environment. Provide plenty of driftwood, rock crevices, caves, and dense live plants to make them feel secure. Adding dried Indian Almond Leaves mimics their natural blackwater environment.  
• Temperature: Keep it stable between 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C).  
• pH & Hardness: Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.0) and soft water. 
• • Safety Protections: Secure the tank with a tight-fitting lid since they are renowned escape artists. Use a pre-filter sponge over filter intakes so their slender bodies don't get sucked into the equipment.  
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   Behavior & Tank Mates
  Kuhli loaches are exceptionally social and peaceful. They must be kept in groups of at least 5 to 6 individuals. If kept alone, they become excessively timid, stressed, and will remain permanently hidden. Great tank mates include other peaceful, non-aggressive species like tetras, rasboras, guppies, corydoras, and dwarf gouramis.
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•   Diet & Feeding
  As omnivorous scavengers, they naturally root around the bottom for food. Because they are nocturnal, it is best to feed them after the tank lights go out so they aren't outcompeted by fast-swimming surface fish. 
• Protein Sources: Sinking pellets, shrimp pellets, frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp.
• Vegetable Supplements: Blanched zucchini, cucumber, or spinach fragments.