All fish / Cobitidae

Myers' Kuhli Loach

Pangio myersi

Also known as giant kuhli loach, myersi loach, myers loach, coolie loach, kuhli loach, giant coolie loach, slimy myersi, banded kuhli loach, ปลาปล้องอ้อย, クーリーローチ, ジャイアントクーリーローチ, ikan kuhli

A slender, eel-like loach with broad dark brown to black bands on an orange or salmon body, larger and chunkier than the common kuhli loach. It is kept for its striking banding and its sociable, burrowing habits in planted tanks with soft sand.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

8 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Mekong basin in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam

Breeding

It scatters bright green eggs among floating plant roots and dense vegetation. Captive spawning is rare and mostly accidental, while most fish sold are farmed with hormones.

Good to know

It needs fine sand and plenty of cover, and will escape through tiny gaps, so a tight lid is essential. It is often confused with Pangio kuhlii and P. semicincta, which stay smaller.