Khuli Loach

Native to slow-moving, shaded streams and rivers of Southeast Asia (Sumatra, Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo), typically in soft, tannin-stained blackwater with dense leaf litter and vegetation.

Provide a soft sand or fine gravel substrate for burrowing, along with driftwood, caves, PVC pipes, and dense planting for hiding spots. A tightly fitting lid is a must — kuhli loaches are notorious escape artists.Provide a soft sand or fine gravel substrate for burrowing, along with driftwood, caves, PVC pipes, and dense planting for hiding spots. A tightly fitting lid is a must — kuhli loaches are notorious escape artists.

Omnivorous scavengers. Feed sinking pellets, wafers, and flakes, supplemented with live or frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp. They forage at night, so feeding just before lights-out helps ensure they get enough food in a community tank.

Generally shrimp safe, especially with adult, well-fed shrimp species like Amano or larger Neocaridina. Kuhli loaches are peaceful scavengers and typically ignore healthy adult shrimp, though very young shrimplets could occasionally be eaten opportunistically while foraging.

Breeding kuhli loaches in captivity is considered challenging and is not common among home aquarists. They are communal breeders rather than pair-bonding, so keeping a larger group improves odds. Success has been reported with dim lighting, lowered water levels, dense floating plants, soft slightly acidic water (pH ~6.0–6.5), and generous feedings of live foods to condition them. When ready, females become visibly larger with greenish, swollen bellies. Eggs are scattered among plant roots and are not guarded by the parents.

Shipped live in insulated boxes with temperature packs as needed. Bagged with pure oxygen for freshness during transit. Live arrival guaranteed inspect fish immediately upon arrival and acclimate slowly via the drip method before introducing to your tank.