Silver Loach

Tank Setup & "True" Substrate Requirements Substrate (Strict Requirement): Unlike standard kuhlis which might tolerate smooth gravel, fine sand is mandatory for Silver Loaches. They do not just hide under rocks; they literally dive under the sand and spend hours fully submerged like earthworms. They also feed by sifting mouthfuls of sand directly through their gills to filter out micro-crustaceans. Coarse grains will cut their gills and sensitive barbels. Because Pangio anguillaris is incredibly thin and noodle-like (even more so than standard kuhlis), they are notorious for swimming up filter intake tubes or squeezing into tiny gaps in internal filters. Cover all filter intakes with a pre-filter sponge. Tight Lid: They are highly active, serpentine swimmers and can easily escape through the smallest gap in your aquarium lid. Water Parameters Temperature: 74°F – 82°F (23°C – 28°C) pH: 5.5 – 7.0 (They prefer slightly more acidic, soft water than standard kuhlis and are more sensitive to high pH) Maturity: Do not add them to a newly cycled tank. They require a well-matured aquarium with established biofilm and microfauna. Extreme Social Behavior Group Size: Standard guides suggest keeping 5 or 6 kuhlis. For true Silver Loaches, they are exceptionally social and aggregate in massive numbers in the wild. To see them active and not stressed, keep a group of at least 10 to 15 individuals if your tank size allows. They love to pack themselves tightly into the exact same crevice or "loach pile". Diet & Feeding Size Food Size: Because their mouths and bodies are so small, they require smaller food particles than standard loaches. Preferred Foods: Sinking micro-pellets, crushed wafers, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and chopped frozen bloodworms.