All fish / Cobitidae

Pangio incognito

Pangio incognito

Also known as incognito kuhli loach, incognito loach, kuhli loach, coolie loach, pangio sp., クーリーローチ, 蛇仔鱼

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A slender, eel-like loach with a pale orange to yellowish body crossed by dark brown saddles that often do not meet underneath, which tells it apart from the similar Pangio semicincta and Pangio kuhlii. It is kept for its quirky wriggling behaviour and peaceful nature, and suits soft-water community tanks with a sandy bottom and plenty of hiding places.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southeast Asia: Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo

Breeding

It lays eggs and seldom spawns in home aquariums, though it sometimes happens without planning in mature, heavily planted tanks with soft acidic water. Groups kept in dim, well-hidden setups have the best chance of producing fry.

Good to know

It is often sold mixed in with other kuhli-type loaches, so the exact identity is hard to confirm. Use soft sand, cover every gap and the filter inlet, because these loaches will get into small spaces.