Black Kuhli Loach

Pangio oblonga

Also known as Java Loach, Black Kuhli

Animalia›Chordata›Cypriniformes›Cobitidae

The Black Kuhli Loach is a small, eel-like freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, known for its dark coloration and peaceful temperament. These nocturnal bottom-dwellers are excellent scavengers and spend much of their time burrowing in substrate or hiding in plants and decorations. They are popular in community tanks due to their non-aggressive nature and interesting behavior patterns.

Where it's from

Native to the Chao Phraya, Ciliwung, Kapuas, Kinabatangan and 6 other river basins

Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Laos

At a glance

Size: 4 in; 10 cm
Min tank: 20 gal; 76 L
Group: 3+
Temp: 75–86°F; 24–30°C
pH: 5.5-6.5
GH: 36–179 ppm; 2–10 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 10-12 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Tanks keeping this

Kept by 4 members

1 tank shared publicly; 3 more kept privately.

Vivi's Chillquarium

@ethansmoldt

Care

Diet

Black Kuhli Loaches are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume small invertebrates, algae, and detritus. Feed sinking pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables 2-3 times weekly, supplemented with live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. They are primarily nocturnal feeders, so provide food in the evening.

Behavior

These loaches are nocturnal and spend most daylight hours hiding in substrate, plants, or decorations, becoming more active at night. They are social fish that should be kept in groups of at least 3 individuals, displaying peaceful interactions with each other. They constantly forage along the bottom, helping to keep the substrate clean and aerated.

Breeding

Breeding Black Kuhli Loaches in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require specific water conditions and triggers that are hard to replicate, and spawning behavior is rarely observed. Most specimens available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught or from specialized breeding facilities.

Tank mates

See all 5

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that occupy different water zones

excellent

Corydoras Sterbai

Similar bottom-dwelling habits and peaceful temperament

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller with compatible care requirements

good

Otocinclus

Small algae eater with similar peaceful nature and bottom-dwelling behavior

excellent

Harlequin Rasbora

Peaceful schooling fish that won't compete for bottom space

excellent

Fits a 20-gallon tank Beginner-friendly Peaceful

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).