All fish / Cobitidae

Pangio bitaimac

Pangio bitaimac

Also known as bitaimac kuhli loach, sumatran kuhli loach, coolie loach

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A slender, eel-like kuhli loach from Sumatran peat swamps, with dark saddles across a pale yellowish to brown body. It is kept by blackwater and loach enthusiasts as a peaceful, shy bottom dweller that becomes more active in groups.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

4.5 to 6.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp, micro worms

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Indonesia (Sumatra, Riau Islands; blackwater peat swamps)

Breeding

Rarely bred in captivity; related kuhli loaches scatter greenish eggs among fine plants or roots in soft, acidic water, often unexpectedly in well-planted tanks.

Good to know

Needs soft sand and plenty of cover, as it burrows and can slip through tiny gaps or into filter intakes. Easily confused with other banded Pangio species such as P. semicincta and P. kuhlii.