Shelford's Kuhli

Shelford's kuhli has a more broken-up pattern than the banded kuhlis: on a light brown background there are dark saddles on the back and small rows of spots on the sides. Adults reach 7–8 cm. It lives in forest streams and swamps of Southeast Asia, over soft bottoms covered with leaf litter. Like other kuhlis it buries itself in the sand or hides during the day and comes out in the evening.

• At least 60 liters for a group of 5–6; floor area is important.
• 22–26°C, pH 5–7, soft water.
• Fine, soft sand is essential; roots, dried leaves and dense plants.
• Gaps in the lid should be closed and a sponge fitted over the filter intake.

It sifts the sand to catch insect larvae and small crustaceans. Alongside sinking granules and tablets, frozen daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworms should be given regularly.

Extremely peaceful; it may only eat eggs and very small fry. It becomes bolder in a large group.

Good companions: rasboras, small tetras, dwarf gouramis, corydoras, other kuhlis, shrimp.

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