All fish / Cobitidae

Worm loach

Pangio lumbriciformis

Also known as worm kuhli loach, sumatran kuhli, pangio lumbriciformis loach, dwarf kuhli loach

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A small, slender, worm-like loach with a plain brownish to orange-brown body and few markings, unlike the banded kuhli loaches. It is kept as a shy, peaceful bottom dweller for soft-water planted tanks with sand and leaf litter.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo (Indonesia)

Breeding

Spawning in aquariums is rare and usually happens by chance in well-planted, mature tanks with soft, acidic water. Eggs are scattered among plants and parents give no care.

Good to know

Often confused with other plain Pangio species and sometimes sold mixed with them. Needs fine sand and a tight-fitting lid, as it burrows and can squeeze through tiny gaps.