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Borneo kuhli loach

Pangio borneensis

Also known as Bornean kuhli, Red kuhli loach

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH
5.5–7.0
Adult size
2.5 in (6.3 cm)
Minimum tank
20 gal (75 L)
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Western Borneo
Family
Cobitidae

Overview

Keep six or more; kuhlis are social wigglers that vanish when kept in ones and twos. They thread through litter and roots after dark for worms and small sinking foods. No boisterous tankmates, nothing that fits a kuhli in its mouth.

In the wild

This kuhli comes from soft, often tannin-dark waters of western Borneo. Recreate the classic Pangio setup: fine sand, leaf litter, dim light, warmth at 22 to 27 degrees Celsius, and acidic to neutral pH from 5.5 to 7.0.

Good to know

Pangio borneensis reaches about 6 centimeters and belongs to the banded kuhli group, its saddles narrower and more numerous than the classic kuhli's. Borneo holds several look-alike Pangio, and imports mix them freely.

Did you know

Mixed kuhli imports from Borneo can hold three or four species in one bag, and most keepers never know their noodle collection is a genus sampler.

Tank mates

Borneo kuhli loach is a peaceful, social species that keeps to the bottom. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Borneo kuhli loach need?

A Borneo kuhli loach needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH do Borneo kuhli loach need?

Borneo kuhli loach are comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.0.

How big do Borneo kuhli loach get?

An adult Borneo kuhli loach reaches about 2.5 in (6.3 cm).

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Loaches · Community fish · Bottom dwellers

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