Kuhli loaches

[_.hannahhunt._]

I have a question. I have 7 kuhli loaches, had them about 2 months, and they have been playing and swimming around in the day since then, from about a week ago to now they haven't been out during the day at all, apart from when I turn on the tank lights and they run to hide. Any ideas why?(•_•)

 

[Fishiemang]

They are night fish. Very timid and kinda....clumsy too. They sneak around at night looking for left overs. It's normal behavior.

 

[CassCats]

Theyre nocturnal, totally normal.

But you can add lots of hiding places like leaf litter, logs, etc and add floating plants to make it dimmer for them and you may see them more during the day

 

[Colin_T]

Hi and welcome to the forum

Khuli loaches are normally nocturnal but if yours have been coming out during the day and suddenly stress out when the lights are on, that could indicate a water quality issue.

Check the tank water for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH.

Do a 75% water change and gravel clean the substrate. Make sure any new water is free of chlorine/ chloramine before it's added to the tank.

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LIGHTS
Stress from tank lights coming on when the room is dark can be an issue. Fish don't have eyelids and don't tolerate going from complete dark to bright light (or vice versa) instantly.

In the morning open the curtains or turn the room light on at least 30 minutes (or more) before turning the tank light on. This will reduce the stress on the fish and they won't go from a dark tank to a bright tank instantly.

At night turn the room light on and then turn the tank light off. Wait at least 30 minutes (or more) before turning the room light out. This allows the fish to settle down for the night instead of going from a brightly lit tank to complete darkness instantly.