Giant Kuhli Loach

The giant kuhli looks like the common kuhli but is thicker and more heavily built; adults reach 9–10 cm. The 8–11 dark bands on the orange background wrap around most of the body. Juveniles and poorly fed individuals can be confused with other kuhlis; the dark band or row of spots on the tail fin is the most reliable distinguishing mark.

Albino and pale (leucistic) forms are also available in the trade; their care is the same as for the wild form. Like other kuhlis it hides in the sand or under roots during the day; in a dimly lit aquarium with plenty of hiding places it also comes out in daytime.

It lives in forest streams and wetlands of the lower Mekong basin in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The bottom is soft sand and mud; the water flows slowly and is full of leaves and roots.

• Volume: at least 75 liters and 80 cm of length for a group of 5–6.
• Water: 22–26°C, pH 5–7, soft water. A 25% water change every week.
• Substrate: Fine, soft sand is essential; it may stay buried in it all day.
• Decor: Roots, caves, dried leaves and dense planting; dim light.
• Escapes: Gaps in the lid should be closed and a sponge fitted over the filter intake.

It sifts the sand to catch small invertebrates. It accepts sinking granules and tablets; frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and tubifex should be offered regularly. Sinking food given in the evening works best.

Peaceful; it leaves other fish alone and may only eat eggs and tiny fry. As a group it rests in the same hiding place and moves through the sand as if tunneling.

Good companions: rasboras, tetras, dwarf gouramis, corydoras, other kuhlis, shrimp (it leaves adults alone).

Avoid: large fish that could swallow it, cichlids that claim the bottom, aggressive botias.

At least 5–6, ideally 8 or more individuals. In a large group giant kuhlis become bolder and start to show themselves during the day too. It can rest together with other Pangio species. The sex ratio does not matter.

Regular breeding in the aquarium is not known. As with other kuhlis, fry may appear by chance in mature, densely planted aquariums, but there is no detailed breeding record for this species.

• White spot: It is sensitive to medications; start with half a dose.
• Escape and loss: Filter intakes and gaps in the lid are the biggest dangers.
• Substrate: Sharp gravel causes wounds.
• Water quality: It is sensitive to nitrate buildup and sudden changes in parameters; weekly water changes should not be skipped.

Females are plumper and slightly larger. In mature males the first ray of the pectoral fin is thick and branched.