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Black kuhli loach
A plain brown sand-burrowing loach that needs its own meals.
Reddish to dark brown with a slightly paler underside and no alternating bands. Its elongated body is relatively deep compared with some plain-coloured relatives; the eyes are small, oral barbels are present and the dorsal fin is far back. Black, Java, cinnamon and chocolate kuhli are trade names.
- Adult length
- Up to 8 cm
- Water temperature
- 21–26 °C
- Lifespan
- Up to 10 years
- pH
- 3.5–7
- Hardness
- 0–8 dGH
- Natural habitat
- Inhabits shallow forest streams, swamps, oxbows and backwaters, usually shaded and slow-flowing, often among accumulated leaves.
Keep at 21–26°C, pH 3.5–7.0 and GH 0–8dGH; do not drive water to extremes. Reaches 80mm SL.
Appearance and identification
Generally deeper-bodied and plain brown compared with P. anguillaris, which is exceptionally slender, often grey-gold with fine dots or a faint lateral stripe. P. pangia is a closer plain-coloured lookalike, so brown colour alone does not identify it; check nasal barbels and proportions together.
Floor and movement space
At least 60×30cm or equivalent, with a group, soft sand and multiple shelters.
Aquarium environment
Shaded planted layouts should keep soft sand and accessible feeding gaps; coarse gravel can interfere with burrowing. Use gentle filtration with surface gas exchange, protected intakes and a secure lid.
Diet and feeding
Offer small sinking foods and varied small animal foods, checking that meals reach the sheltered bottom areas. Sifting sand and taking leftovers do not replace feeding; assertive bottom dwellers can monopolise food.
Same-species behaviour
Keep at least 5–6. Provide several shared resting places and check that weaker fish feed.
Compatibility limits
Choose suitably sized, peaceful companions that will not eat or outcompete it. Eggs, fish fry and small shrimplets may be taken. It is not a snail, algae or maintenance solution.
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