All fish / Cobitidae

Thread Kuhli Loach

Pangio filinaris

Also known as thread loach, filament kuhli loach, slender kuhli loach, kuhli loach, coolie loach, pangio filinaris, パンギオ・フィリナリス, 线条苦力泥鳅

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A very slender, worm-like loach with a plain brownish to greyish body, much thinner than the familiar banded kuhli. It spends its time burrowing in soft sand and leaf litter and becomes far more confident when kept in a group, making it a charming scavenger for quiet soft-water community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and small live foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southeast Asia: Sumatra and Borneo (Indonesia, Malaysia)

Breeding

It is an egg scatterer, and spawning in aquariums is rare and usually happens by chance in heavily planted, mature tanks. Most fish in the trade are wild caught.

Good to know

It can squeeze through tiny gaps and into filter intakes, so cover inlets and keep a tight lid. Use soft sand, not sharp gravel, because it burrows constantly.