Black Kuhli Loach 4-6cm

Description

Black Kuhli Loach (Pangio oblonga)

A fascinating eel-like bottom dweller with a sleek jet-black body, peaceful temperament and incredible scavenging abilities, making it an excellent addition to planted community aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Pangio oblonga
  • Common name: Black Kuhli Loach, Java Loach
  • Current size: 4–6 cm
  • Adult size: 8–10 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
  • Temperament: Extremely peaceful
  • Best kept: Groups of 6 or more

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You keep a peaceful planted community aquarium.
  • You want an interesting bottom-dwelling fish.
  • You need extra help cleaning up leftover food.
  • You enjoy unusual fish with natural behaviours.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep aggressive or predatory fish.
  • Your aquarium has sharp gravel.
  • You don't have hiding places.
  • You plan to keep only one loach.

Why choose the Black Kuhli Loach?

The Black Kuhli Loach is one of the most unique freshwater fish available. Unlike the more familiar banded Kuhli Loach, this species has a sleek charcoal-black body that resembles a tiny freshwater eel as it glides effortlessly through plants, driftwood and caves.

Although they spend much of the day hidden beneath wood or amongst plants, Black Kuhli Loaches become surprisingly active during the evening and at feeding time. They're constantly searching the substrate for leftover food, small worms and other tasty morsels, making them valuable members of any clean-up crew.

Their peaceful nature allows them to thrive alongside shrimp, Corydoras, rasboras, tetras and other gentle community fish.

Benefits

  • Excellent scavenger of leftover food
  • Unique eel-like appearance
  • Safe for peaceful community aquariums
  • Ideal for planted tanks
  • Interesting nocturnal behaviour
  • Completely peaceful with other fish

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Diet: Sinking pellets, frozen foods, live foods, bloodworms and quality wafers
  • Water: Clean, mature and well-filtered
  • Setup: Soft sand substrate, driftwood, caves, leaf litter and plenty of hiding places
  • Always use a tight-fitting lid as Kuhli Loaches are excellent escape artists.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras
  • Cherry Barbs
  • Harlequin Rasboras
  • Celestial Pearl Danios
  • Cherry and Crystal Shrimp
NTA Insight:
The biggest mistake people make with Kuhli Loaches is buying just one or two. They're highly social fish and become far more confident in groups of six or more. Once settled, you'll see them wriggling around together at feeding time, often forming little "Kuhli piles" underneath driftwood or in caves. A soft sand substrate is also well worth the investment, as it allows them to burrow naturally without damaging their delicate barbels.

FAQ

How many Black Kuhli Loaches should I keep?

We recommend keeping at least six together. Larger groups are much more confident, display more natural behaviour and are seen far more often than single individuals.

Are Black Kuhli Loaches good cleaners?

Yes. They're excellent scavengers that search the substrate for leftover food. However, they should still be fed a proper diet of sinking foods rather than relying solely on scraps.

Can they live with shrimp?

Yes. Black Kuhli Loaches are generally safe with adult Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp. They may occasionally eat very small shrimplets, but established shrimp colonies usually coexist very well with them.

Do Black Kuhli Loaches burrow?

Absolutely. They love to burrow into soft sand, hide beneath leaf litter and squeeze into tiny gaps between rocks and driftwood. Fine sand is highly recommended over coarse gravel.

Why don't I see my Kuhli Loaches very often?

This is perfectly normal. They're naturally shy and most active during the evening or around feeding time. As they settle in and their group size increases, they usually become much more confident and visible.

Black Kuhli Loach 4-6cm

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πŸ“¦ Arrival Date: 7 March 2026

 

$10.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Black Kuhli Loach (Pangio oblonga)

    A fascinating eel-like bottom dweller with a sleek jet-black body, peaceful temperament and incredible scavenging abilities, making it an excellent addition to planted community aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Pangio oblonga
    • Common name: Black Kuhli Loach, Java Loach
    • Current size: 4–6 cm
    • Adult size: 8–10 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
    • Temperament: Extremely peaceful
    • Best kept: Groups of 6 or more

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You keep a peaceful planted community aquarium.
    • You want an interesting bottom-dwelling fish.
    • You need extra help cleaning up leftover food.
    • You enjoy unusual fish with natural behaviours.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep aggressive or predatory fish.
    • Your aquarium has sharp gravel.
    • You don't have hiding places.
    • You plan to keep only one loach.

    Why choose the Black Kuhli Loach?

    The Black Kuhli Loach is one of the most unique freshwater fish available. Unlike the more familiar banded Kuhli Loach, this species has a sleek charcoal-black body that resembles a tiny freshwater eel as it glides effortlessly through plants, driftwood and caves.

    Although they spend much of the day hidden beneath wood or amongst plants, Black Kuhli Loaches become surprisingly active during the evening and at feeding time. They're constantly searching the substrate for leftover food, small worms and other tasty morsels, making them valuable members of any clean-up crew.

    Their peaceful nature allows them to thrive alongside shrimp, Corydoras, rasboras, tetras and other gentle community fish.

    Benefits

    • Excellent scavenger of leftover food
    • Unique eel-like appearance
    • Safe for peaceful community aquariums
    • Ideal for planted tanks
    • Interesting nocturnal behaviour
    • Completely peaceful with other fish

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.5
    • Diet: Sinking pellets, frozen foods, live foods, bloodworms and quality wafers
    • Water: Clean, mature and well-filtered
    • Setup: Soft sand substrate, driftwood, caves, leaf litter and plenty of hiding places
    • Always use a tight-fitting lid as Kuhli Loaches are excellent escape artists.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras
    • Cherry Barbs
    • Harlequin Rasboras
    • Celestial Pearl Danios
    • Cherry and Crystal Shrimp
    NTA Insight:
    The biggest mistake people make with Kuhli Loaches is buying just one or two. They're highly social fish and become far more confident in groups of six or more. Once settled, you'll see them wriggling around together at feeding time, often forming little "Kuhli piles" underneath driftwood or in caves. A soft sand substrate is also well worth the investment, as it allows them to burrow naturally without damaging their delicate barbels.

    FAQ

    How many Black Kuhli Loaches should I keep?

    We recommend keeping at least six together. Larger groups are much more confident, display more natural behaviour and are seen far more often than single individuals.

    Are Black Kuhli Loaches good cleaners?

    Yes. They're excellent scavengers that search the substrate for leftover food. However, they should still be fed a proper diet of sinking foods rather than relying solely on scraps.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Yes. Black Kuhli Loaches are generally safe with adult Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp. They may occasionally eat very small shrimplets, but established shrimp colonies usually coexist very well with them.

    Do Black Kuhli Loaches burrow?

    Absolutely. They love to burrow into soft sand, hide beneath leaf litter and squeeze into tiny gaps between rocks and driftwood. Fine sand is highly recommended over coarse gravel.

    Why don't I see my Kuhli Loaches very often?

    This is perfectly normal. They're naturally shy and most active during the evening or around feeding time. As they settle in and their group size increases, they usually become much more confident and visible.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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