All fish / Cobitidae

Shelford's loach

Pangio shelfordii

Also known as shelford's kuhli loach, shelford loach, spotted kuhli loach, kuhli loach, pangio shelfordi, acanthophthalmus shelfordii, シェルフォルディ, 谢尔福德潘鳅

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A slender, eel-like loach with a pale yellowish to brown body marked by dark blotches and saddles that often form a mottled or spotted pattern. It is kept for its peaceful nature and its habit of sifting through soft substrate and leaf litter in groups, making it a good fit for quiet blackwater or planted tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Carnivore: 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

Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra (Indonesia)

Breeding

It scatters eggs, usually among fine plants or roots, and spawning seems to happen now and then in well-kept community tanks rather than through deliberate efforts. Planned captive breeding is rarely reported, and most fish in the trade are wild caught.

Good to know

Use soft sand and a tight lid, because these loaches burrow and will escape through small gaps or get into filter intakes. It is often sold mixed with other Pangio species that look similar.