What size tank do kuhli loaches need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 5. For a comfortable stocking level we suggest the 29 gallon tank or bigger. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Pangio kuhlii.
How many kuhli loaches in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if kuhli loaches are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many kuhli loaches |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | up to 6 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 8 |
| 55 gallon | up to 12 |
| 75 gallon | up to 16 |
| 125 gallon | up to 27 |
Check kuhli loaches against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Needs soft sand and hiding places.
- Keep at least 5. Alone or in twos and threes, kuhli loaches hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for kuhli loaches
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Rummy-nose tetra
- Lemon tetra
- Marbled hatchetfish
- Cherry barb
- Cardinal tetra
- Glowlight tetra
- Black neon tetra
- Harlequin rasbora
Poor matches
- Guppy: They need different water: Kuhli loach likes a pH of 5.5–7, guppy likes 7–8.2.
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as kuhli loach.
- Molly: These fish do not share a comfortable pH range. Choose fish from similar water.
Questions and answers
What size tank do kuhli loaches need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 5. For a comfortable stocking level we suggest the 29 gallon tank or bigger. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many kuhli loaches should be kept together?
At least 5. Kuhli loaches are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can kuhli loaches live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Kuhli loach needs at least 20 gallons (76 liters).
What temperature do kuhli loaches need?
73–82 °F (23–28 °C), with a pH of 5.5–7. In most homes that means a heater.
Can kuhli loaches live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 20 gallons (76 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.