Half-banded Kuhli Loach

The half-banded kuhli is recognized by the broad dark bands on the upper half of its yellow-orange body; the bands do not reach down to the belly, and there is a dark spot at the base of the tail. Adults reach 8–10 cm.

A large share of the fish that come to mind when hobbyists say "kuhli" is actually this species or a very close relative. The true Pangio kuhlii lives only in Java and is rare in the trade. The care of the two is the same; the easiest visual difference is that the bands of kuhlii reach down to the belly.

It lives in forest streams and along swamp edges on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. The water flows slowly and is soft and acidic; the bottom is covered with sand, mud and a thick layer of leaves.

• Volume: at least 60 liters for a group of 5–6; floor area is important.
• Water: 22–26°C, pH 5–7, soft water. A 25% water change every week.
• Substrate: Fine, soft sand is essential; it often buries itself.
• Decor: Roots, dried catappa leaves, dense plants and caves; floating plants soften the light.
• Escapes: It slips through very small gaps; gaps in the lid should be closed and a sponge fitted over the filter intake.

It passes sand through its mouth to sift out insect larvae and small crustaceans. Offer sinking granules and tablets, frozen bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp and daphnia. Since it is active at night, it is a good idea to give part of the food just before the lights go out.

Extremely peaceful. It only shows interest in eggs and very small fry. When there are few hiding places and the light is strong, it is almost never seen.

Good companions: rasboras, small tetras, dwarf gouramis, corydoras, otocinclus, 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. Kuhlis are found in groups in the wild too; in the aquarium they rest entwined with each other in the same cave and comb the bottom together in the evening. It can form mixed groups with the black kuhli and other Pangio species. The sex ratio is not important.

It breeds rarely in the aquarium, and mostly by chance. The eggs are usually laid among floating plant roots or dense clumps of plants; in a densely planted aquarium a few fry may grow up on their own.

• White spot: It is sensitive to medications; start with half a dose and raise the temperature slowly.
• Loss: Most kuhlis that disappear have escaped into the filter or out through the lid.
• Substrate: Sharp gravel causes wounds on the belly and barbels.

Females are larger and plumper; in mature females the eggs may show through the body as a greenish color. Males have a larger pectoral fin with a thick, branched first ray.