Kuhli loach

Behaviour and habits

The kuhli loach is a shy, eel-shaped loach that can vanish into the substrate for days and work the tank after dark. It is peaceful and sociable, and far less reclusive in a group of six or more with plenty of cover, where it wriggles out at feeding time and sifts the sand for food. It is also an expert escape artist, able to squeeze through the smallest gap, so a tight lid is absolutely essential.

What to feed, and how often

It mostly feeds after lights-out, so drop sinking pellets late and add frozen bloodworm or daphnia. A well-fed kuhli is a plump one that is not starving under the leaves; feed once a day, and make sure the food reaches the bottom.

Water changes and maintenance

Because it burrows in sand, a 25% weekly change with a light surface vacuum keeps the substrate clean — do not dig deep, as it disturbs the loaches. Keep the sand soft and the water clean and well-oxygenated.

Care and how easy it is

Hardy but shy; needs soft sand, plenty of cover and a tight lid, and does best in a group.

Lifespan

With good conditions and steady water quality, this species typically lives around 7–10 years in a home aquarium; some individuals live longer.

Common health problems

Mainly skin infections from stress or from squeezing through a gap; otherwise robust.

If it gets sick

Prevention beats treatment — remove sharp gaps and keep them calm. If a fish shows an ulcer or cloudy patch, isolate and treat promptly, as these infections move fast.