Black Kuhli Loach

Description

The Black Khuli Loach (Pangio oblonga) is a fascinating and visually striking species of loach native to the rivers, streams, and floodplains of Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. This species is a variant of the popular Khuli Loach, with a dark, almost black body adorned with a series of light-colored stripes running along its sides, giving it a distinctive “banded” appearance.In the wild, Black Khuli Loaches inhabit soft, sandy substrates in slow-moving waters, where they spend much of their time burrowing and hiding among rocks, plants, and leaf litter. They are nocturnal, emerging at night to forage for small invertebrates, worms, and detritus.In aquariums, the Black Khuli Loach requires a soft, sandy substrate that allows it to burrow and find shelter. It thrives in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as driftwood, rocks, and caves, to mimic its natural environment. Although they are peaceful and social, Black Khuli Loaches do best when kept in groups of at least five or six, as this helps reduce stress and allows them to exhibit their natural social behavior.Growing to about 10 cm (4 inches), the Black Khuli Loach is an ideal species for aquarists who enjoy observing bottom-dwelling fish with unique behaviors. Its nocturnal nature, peaceful temperament, and captivating appearance make it a great addition to community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive fish.