Kuhli Loach: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup
An eel-shaped, shy bottom dweller that is most active at night. Keep five or more in 20 gallons or larger.
- Minimum tank
- 20 gallons
- Temperature
- 75–82°F
- Group size
- 5 or more
- Adult size
- 4 inBottom of the tank
- Burrows, so use sand.
- Can squeeze through small gaps; cover filter intakes and use a tight lid.
Pangio kuhlii. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.
How many kuhli loaches per tank size
The most you could keep if kuhli loaches were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.
| Tank | Kuhli loach, kept alone | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small (needs 20+ gal) | |
| 10 gallon | Too small (needs 20+ gal) | |
| 20 gallon | Up to 13 | Plan this tank |
| 29 gallon | Up to 21 | Plan this tank |
| 40 gallon | Up to 30 | Plan this tank |
| 55 gallon | Up to 41 | Plan this tank |
| 75 gallon | Up to 56 | Plan this tank |
What you need for kuhli loaches in a 20-gallon tank
A starting setup: 5 kuhli loaches in the smallest standard tank that suits them.
20-gallon tank
- These fit a 20-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 79°F.
Equipment, sized for this tank
Starter supplies
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Kuhli loach tank mates
These share a temperature range and temperament with kuhli loaches, with no warnings from our checks.
Use caution with: white cloud minnow, fancy goldfish. Add them in the builder to see why.
Plan a tank around kuhli loaches
Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.
Open the tank builderKuhli loach questions
What size tank does a kuhli loach need?
At least 20 gallons for a group of 5. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.
How many kuhli loaches can I keep in a 20-gallon tank?
Up to about 13 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.
Do kuhli loaches need a heater?
Usually yes. Kuhli loach does best at 75–82°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 20-gallon tank needs about 100 watts in a 68°F room.
What fish can live with kuhli loaches?
Good matches include bettas, neon tetras, cardinal tetras, ember tetras, rummy-nose tetras, black skirt tetras. They share a temperature range and temperament with kuhli loaches.