Kuhli Loaches

[ICEEGRL]

I searched on many sites. I got alot of information on them. The problem is none of it matched. Things like... how big they get... I got 2 1/2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, and 5 inches. Now how do I know what is true? I also found out they are fresh... no brackish...no fresh...mean... no harmless... no mean... get along well with all fish... no not many... almost all... need hard water... no soft... and much much more just like that.

I came out more confused than before I started. Does anyone have these that could tell me the truth about them. I need the basic info. real name, adult size, water needs, temp, tank size, minimum number to keep, aggression level...

I know I am asking alot. Maybe you know a site that tells the right info, and you can just send me there. I have searched until I don't know what to believe. I just need to know what is the right information.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance!

 

[Captain Retardo]

I own 4 Kuhli's and this is what I found to be true:

• Adult Size: 3-4 inches
  
  Displacement towards other fish: Kuhli's are really nice to others
  
  I would say to keep 3-4 at least, but more would be much better.
  
  You need lots of good hiding spots for Kuhli's, with more hiding spots, the more they will come out.
  
  Tank size: At least 10 gallons, I would personally prefer 20+
  
  Temp: High 70's, just like any tropical fish.
  
  Water Needs: I read they prefer softer water, but mine are really good in a pH of 7.6
  
  Medications: Youre supposed to be careful with medications and salt, but i added salt to cure them (a little) and they became cured within a week.

A good website for more Kuhli info is www.loaches.com

You need sand as a substrate

 

[tophat665]

That about covers it. Kuhlis are mostly noctournal. If you keep them in a group of 5 or more, you are more likely to see them out and about with the lights on. They are sensitive to copper basd medication, so use half doses for double duration. Mine come out at night ad zip around the tank like ribbons on rockets (It's a 55). Exceptionally cute. I have heard 3" is the top end, but mine seem to be a bit bigger.

Also, like all loaches, they are sensitive to dissolved organics, so keep the water clean.

 

[penguin22]

Previous replys are very good but i keep mine with rounded gravel and they are fine. They can burrow under it when they want buy them they are great!

 

[SuperColey1]

I agree with all the comment.

1 to add. don't worry if they go missing for periods as they do burrow and hide and maybe sensible to wrap your filter in a gauze as they tend to find their way into the filter sometimes

 

[n3ont3tra]

PH doesn't matter too much as long as it's not extreme (above 8.5 or lower than 5.5). My PH is 6.1 and I have 3 happy healthy kuhlies

 

[ICEEGRL]

I have 29g. with small gravel. I am planting it very soon. Will they uproot the plants? I don't want to spend 200.00 on plants just to have them dug up. How do you keep them from uprooting them? How deep does substrate need to be for them?

 

[ICEEGRL]

are attitudes or needs different in the different color varieties? ( black, striped, panda) Will they mix well, or do I need all exactly alike?

 

[tophat665]

First off, the different colors are really different species. There's about a dozen species in the genus Pangio, and they're all pretty similar. In fact, it turns out that what I have are not kuhli loaches, but Giant Kuhlis, P. meyersi, which explains why they're 4" instead of 3. Check out Loaches.com and hit the species index.

That said, they're all peaceful, and they should get along all right, but you really need a minimum of three of each species to make them comfortable, and six to make them shine.

Also, the one thing that was the same in every species description: They should only be added to a well established tank. I didn't know that when I got mine, and lost 3 of them.