All fish / Cobitidae

Rusty Kuhli Loach

Pangio robiginosa

Also known as rusty loach, rusty coolie loach, chocolate kuhli loach, rust kuhli, pangio robiginosus, パンギオ・ロビギノーサ, 锈色蛇仔鱼

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A slim, eel-like loach with a fairly uniform rusty brown to reddish body and no bands, unlike the striped kuhli loaches. It comes from shaded forest streams and peat swamps, and keepers enjoy watching groups of them sifting the substrate and piling together in hiding places.

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 small live foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southeast Asia: Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, Indonesia

Breeding

It has rarely been bred in aquariums. Related Pangio scatter eggs among fine plants or roots, and occasional spawnings have been reported in well-planted, soft and acidic tanks with mature groups.

Good to know

Give it fine sand and plenty of cover, and seal every gap in the lid, because these loaches squeeze into filter intakes and out of tiny openings. Plain brown Pangio species are often mixed up in the trade, so identification can be uncertain.