Coolie Loach Fish Species Profile

Origin and Distribution

Originating from Southeast Asia, the coolie loach is indigenous to the streams of Borneo, Java, western Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, and Thailand. Initially named Cobitis kuhlii, and later modified to Acanthophthalmus kuhlii, the present scientific title of this fish is Pangio kuhlii. Many references nonetheless make the most of former scientific names.

Pangio kuhlii is one among two dozen species of kuhlis, quite a few which carefully resemble one another. The subspecies Pangio kuhlii sumatranus and Pangio kuhlii myersi have been described primarily based on variations in coloration and markings. P. sumatuanus (often known as the Sumatra Kuhli) has fewer and darker bands than Pangio kuhlii. Sporting even wider bands is the Pangio kuhlii myersi. Though Pangio kuhlii stays the most well-liked and available of the coolie loaches, it isn’t uncommon to buy an incorrectly named loach.

Colours and Markings

Coolie loaches have an eel-like physique that’s yellow to pink in shade, with a number of darkish brown bands or stripes that partially or absolutely encircle the physique. The physique and stripe shade patterns fluctuate primarily based on subspecies. The coolie loach possesses no lateral line, the fins are small, and the dorsal fin is situated on the decrease third of the physique, a lot nearer to the tail than the pinnacle.

The attention of the coolie is roofed by a skinny layer of clear pores and skin and is hidden beneath one of many darkish bands. Beneath the eyes are a pair of sharp spines that rise if the fish is threatened, making it tough for a predator to swallow them or for an proprietor to web them; take particular care when doing so. The mouth of the coolie loach factors downward and is surrounded by 4 pairs of barbels.

Tankmates

Coolie loaches are happiest when stored in teams of a half-dozen or extra different coolies, and they’re simply stored with non-aggressive fish. When stored singly they’re fairly shy and can stay hidden more often than not. Keep away from maintaining coolies with massive or territorial fish, comparable to cichlids; as an alternative select small fish comparable to danios, rasboras, and tetras.

Coolie Loach Habitat and Care

In nature, the coolie loach lives in areas the place there may be clear, slow-moving water operating over sand. They are going to tolerate a spread of water parameters however choose water on the acidic aspect with barely colder temperatures within the mid-70s Fahrenheit. The sleek substrate is a should as these obligate burrowers will likely be injured by substrates having tough edges. Sand is the popular substrate for these fish.

Ensure that the tank is tightly coated as coolie loaches will soar out of the tank, significantly when startled. The inlet tube on the filter must even be coated with mesh or a sponge, as there are lots of documented circumstances of loaches swimming up the inlet tube and getting trapped within the filter. House owners have reported circumstances through which coolie loaches have disappeared for months, solely to be discovered beneath the UGF or inside a canister filter, nonetheless very a lot alive. Take a headcount in your coolies to make sure you haven’t misplaced one or the misplaced fish might undergo and starve.

Coolie tanks ought to have loads of protected hiding locations, ideally in low, stay vegetation when attainable. Rocks, driftwood, and caves are all the most effective decor for coolie loaches. Hold lighting subdued, nevertheless, a well-lit tank is appropriate so long as it’s closely planted, thus providing shady locations for the loaches to cover. Place a moonlight within the tank so you possibly can observe their nocturnal actions.

Coolie Loach Food regimen and Feeding

Dwell meals are the popular food regimen for coolie loaches. Nonetheless, they are going to settle for quite a lot of meals, together with frozen, freeze-dried, tablets, wafers and flake meals. The secret is to do not forget that they want smaller meals that can sink. All the time feed coolies at night time.

In terms of stay meals, bloodworms are readily accepted in addition to glass worms, tubifex, and daphnia. Frozen variations of those meals are the following best choice. Feed stay or frozen meals a few instances per week to reinforce dry meals.

Gender Variations

There aren’t any readily discernible variations between coolie loaches when they don’t seem to be breeding. Some hobbyists have noticed that males have bigger pectoral fins, with thickening of the second ray. As soon as females are carrying eggs they grow to be noticeably bigger, typically within the excessive. In some circumstances, it is even attainable to see the green-colored eggs by way of the pores and skin of the feminine’s stomach.

Breeding the Coolie Loach

Breeding of coolie loaches is difficult, but it surely has occurred in captivity. The breeding tank ought to have low water ranges, very dim lighting, and floating vegetation, which will likely be utilized by the feminine when laying her eggs. Water pH ought to be about 6.5, and the water hardness ought to be lowered. Dense vegetation will assist promote spawning. The extra snug the coolies grow to be with their atmosphere, the larger the possibility of spawning.

As a result of coolies are communal spawners, maintaining a bigger group will improve the chance of spawning. Fish don’t attain sexual maturity for 2 years, which suggests you’ll have to be affected person in case your fish are younger whenever you buy them. Situation the fish with loads of stay meals to encourage spawning.

As females close to the time to put their eggs, they are going to develop very massive. When able to spawn, the feminine will launch brilliant inexperienced adhesive eggs, normally on the underside of the floating vegetation. To make sure the best variety of fry survive, take away the grownup fish to their unique tank as soon as the eggs have been laid.

Eggs will hatch in roughly 24 hours, and so they can quantity as much as a number of hundred. Infusoria, typically current in mature stay vegetation, is a perfect first meals. Freshly hatched brine shrimp are additionally an excellent first meals. Commercially ready fry meals or finely crushed flakes are appropriate as meals for coolie loach fry.

Extra Pet Fish Species and Additional Analysis

If coolie loaches enchantment to you, and you have an interest in some suitable fish to your aquarium, take a look at:

• Climate Loach Species Profile
• Lengthy Horseface Loach Species Profile
• Yoyo Loach Species Profile

Try further fish breed profiles for extra data on different freshwater fish.