Kuhli Loach Black (Pangio kuhlii 'Black')

Kuhli Loach Black Pangio kuhlii 'Black'
Name	Kuhli Loach Black
Name Lat.	Pangio kuhlii 'Black'
Synonym	Acanthophthalmus kuhlii 'Black'
Family	Longfin Loaches
Family lat.	Cobitidae
Order	Carps
Order lat.	Cypriniformes
Origin	Southeast Asia
Habitat	Streams, ponds
Diet	Carnivore
pH	6.0-7.5
Behavior	Nocturnal, peaceful
Keeping	Swarm
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Egg scatterer
Breeding	Difficult
Life Span	5-8 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	10 cm
Temperature	23-28 °C
Hardness	5-10 °dH
Aquarium	~ 100 l
US Units
Size	4"
Temperature	73-82 °F
Hardness	89-178 ppm
Aquarium	~ 25 gal

Distribution and habitat

Black spotted thorneyes are a color morph of spotted thorneyes found from Thailand through the Malay Peninsula to Indonesia. They live in stagnant or slow-moving, shallow waters, such as stillwater of small rivers, tributaries, ponds and marshes with soft, muddy bottoms, among fallen leaves, plants and roots.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have dense planting with numerous hiding places (roots, stones, caves). To be able to burrow in, they need a soft, fine-grained substrate (sand, round gravel) covered with some mulm and foliage (e.g. sea almond tree, oak). Subdued light (floating plants) and soft, slightly acidic water with little current is ideal.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

They feed mainly on bottom-dwelling small crustaceans (bosmids, ostracods, etc.). The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high quality sinking dry food (granules, pellets, tablets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, bosmids, tubifex and mosquito larvae (live or frozen)

It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Behaviour and compatibility

These gregarious, crepuscular to nocturnal fish are completely peaceful. At least 10 Spotted Dogfish should be kept together. They are well suited for a community tank with other calm and peaceful fish, such as barbs, rasboras, gourami, etc.

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar water condition and water temperature requirements should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

There are no definite distinguishing characteristics. Adult females are slightly larger and rounder than males of the same age.

Reproduction and breeding

Breeding in the aquarium has occasionally been successful.

Important

They are predominantly crepuscular to nocturnal and remain mostly hidden in burrows or under rocks and roots during the day

The foliage (e.g. sea almond tree or oak leaves) not only provides cover, but also promotes the development of microorganisms when rotting, which are a valuable secondary food source.

When fishing, use the finest mesh nets possible to avoid snagging the subocular spines (under the eye) that are normally hidden beneath the skin.

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2002): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 4, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Zootierhaltung, Verlag Harri Deutsch  

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF