{"product_id":"black-kuhlii-loach","title":"Black Kuhlii Loach","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout Black Kuhli Loach\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Black Kuhli Loach is a fascinating freshwater bottom-dwelling fish recognised for its \u003cstrong\u003eslender, eel-like body and deep black to dark brown colouration\u003c\/strong\u003e. Unlike the more commonly seen banded Kuhli Loach, the Black Kuhli has a predominantly solid dark body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are peaceful, shy and highly entertaining once settled into an aquarium. Black Kuhli Loaches spend much of their time exploring the substrate, hiding beneath driftwood and plants, and searching for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are \u003cstrong\u003esocial fish\u003c\/strong\u003e and are best kept in groups. A group of six or more will generally display much more natural and confident behaviour than a single specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine sand is particularly important because Kuhli Loaches naturally burrow and forage through the substrate. Avoid sharp gravel that could damage their delicate bodies and barbels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA heavily planted aquarium with driftwood, leaf litter, caves and shaded areas provides an excellent environment. They are particularly well suited to peaceful community aquariums and shrimp setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePangio oblonga\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Kuhli Loach\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cobitidae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater Bottom-Dwelling Loach\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 8–10 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Group:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6+\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–28°C\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5–7.5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to Moderately Hard\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bottom\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community aquariums, planted tanks, shrimp aquariums and natural-style freshwater setups\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow many Black Kuhli Loaches should I keep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are social fish and should ideally be kept in a group of \u003cstrong\u003e6 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e. Larger groups often become more active and confident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Black Kuhli Loaches need sand?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine sand is highly recommended. They naturally burrow and forage through the substrate, so sharp or abrasive gravel should be avoided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Black Kuhli Loaches peaceful?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are extremely peaceful and are excellent community aquarium fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Black Kuhli Loaches eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey accept sinking pellets and wafers, as well as frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed after lights-out if necessary, as they are often more active during the evening and night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Black Kuhli Loaches live with shrimp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with adult freshwater shrimp. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten if encountered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping only one or two\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKuhli Loaches are social and are much more confident when kept in groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUsing sharp gravel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTheir soft, elongated bodies are easily damaged by abrasive substrate. Fine sand is ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot providing hiding places\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDriftwood, caves, plants and leaf litter give them security and encourage natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssuming they will survive on leftover food\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey need targeted feeding with sinking foods to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping them with aggressive fish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTheir peaceful and shy nature makes them unsuitable for aggressive community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48925776773259,"sku":null,"price":8.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/e53J_bLO9HA0laWnjBDmKoj4AWipdppft7MuLSv-jRf7vnaxooKM177WpAwPW2h6pK7pyECAu4DJFgzWUj2Ki4sFAX94mVNoe5EVP_5CRH7eY-ZcQ4AokZEbiSIBYaj37g2l5mEmspgvS_RKpBXiiNLJVm4zAf8lseK6hUNjRYtTC_1.jpg?v=1786950590","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/black-kuhlii-loach","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}