In this post, we will discuss the relationship between Angelfish and Kuhli Loaches. We will also learn a bit about their tank requirements and biology.
Angelfish and Kuhli Loaches
It is possible to keep Kuhli Loaches with Angelfish in an aquarium. Due to the size of the loaches and their temperament and behaviour, they do very well with the Angelfish. However, tank dimensions are determining the fish number and this combination’s success.
These two fish species make awesome community tanks. Kuhli loaches are quite social among conspecifics and very pacific towards tank mates. Angelfish usually live well with several loaches varieties. Thus, keeping them with Kuhli Loaches should not be an issue at all.
Can I keep Kuhli Loaches with Angelfish?
Yes, you can keep Kuhli loaches with Angelfish. Kuhli loaches are one of the fish species that are most comfortable staying in the tank with Angelfish.
Angelfish are famous for being somehow aggressive when they do not feel comfortable or during breeding periods. However, they are generally peaceful fish and the trace of aggressiveness comes from their family, the Cichlids.
Will Angelfish attack Kuhli Loaches?
In general, Angelfish will not attack the Kuhli Loaches. Kuhli Loaches do not bother the Angelfish in the tank. Also, there is no reason for the Kuhli loaches to invade the Angelfish territory. They are bottom-dwellers, thus, they stay at the bottom of the tank, digging into the substrate or hiding under decorations.
The Kuhli Loaches will hardly have any contact with the Angelfish. And, due to the Kuhli Loach nocturnal behaviours, they have lesser chances to meet the Angelfish.
While the Angelfish are active, the Kuhli loaches will probably not move or put their heads out except during feeding. And when the Kuhli loaches are active and out, the Angelfish will be probably resting somewhere in the tank.
For these reasons and minimum chances of the Angelfish meeting the Kuhli Loaches, The probability of the Angelfish attacking the Kuhli Loaches is very low, almost zero.
The Angelfish may only attack tank mates that threaten them or invade their territory. Thus, Kuhli loaches are safe with the Angelfish.
Other fish you can keep with Kuhli loaches
Kuhli loaches can be housed with many other fish species. They make awesome community members. Some of ideal tankmates for Kuhli Loaches are:
– More Kuhli Loaches: they should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals, they feel safer and more comfortable;
– Corydoras catfish: very peaceful fish that do well with other small pacific fish;
– Danios: very active fish that do well with other active fish as the Kuhli Loach;
– Rasboras: Beautiful low maintenance schooling fish that do very well with Kuhli Loaches;
– Tetras: Beautiful low maintenance schooling fish that do very well with Kuhli Loaches.
Larger aggressive fish should be avoided, as the Kuhli loaches would feel threatened and stressed.
Kuhli Loaches and Angelfish tank requirements
Keeping appropriate tank conditions for your community tanks inhabitants will avoid healthy and also behavioural issues. Compatible fish species share the same range of water and tank requirements, for this reason, they are truly compatible.
Thus, when considering a community tank it is important to keep in mind what are your fish species minimum requirements to set the tank appropriately. Thus, providing a habitat where they will thrive.
Water temperature should be between 73 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and pH around 6.5. Also, make sure aquarium ammonia levels are null.
Tank Size
Angelfish require at least a 29-gallon tank for a pair, while Kuhli Loaches require at least 15 gallons for a group of 3-4 individuals. Thus, it is important to have at least a 40 to 55-gallon tank to keep a pair of Angelfish with 3-6 Kuhli Loaches.
Plants
Angelfish and Kuhli Loaches enjoy well-planted tanks. For this reason, live plants are one must-have in an Angelfish and Kuhli Loaches aquarium. Kuhli Loaches will frequently hang around the roots and the Angelfish will hide between the leaves.
These two fish species are originally from heavily-vegetated areas. For this reason, they feel safer and more comfortable with plenty of plants around. The tank will mimic their natural habitat and help them thrive in captivity.
In addition to hiding spots, live plants also assist in tank maintenance and water quality treatment. They also help with water oxygenation.
Hiding Spaces
Kuhli Loaches behaviour consists in hiding most of the time. As nocturnal fish, they spend the day hidden and go out during the night in food search and swimming behaviours.
Thus, it is important to provide them with plenty of hiding spots, such as caves, rocks, and artificial structures and décor, where they will hide and comfortable stay. Additionally, Angelfish also enjoy having some decorations around, as they like exploring around.
For the Kuhli loaches, it is suggested to have some kind of pipes partially buried in the substrate. Remember to avoid sharp structures, as these fish could get hurt. Moreover, be careful with decorations that can release substances into the water.
Sandy Substrate
The substrate is also a very important feature in a fish tank. Kuhli Loaches enjoy digging and burying in the substrate. For this reason, they prefer a sandy soft substrate. Otherwise, they could get hurt.
The Angelfish also prefer fine sandy substrates, as it is their natural habitats substrate. They also dig around the bottom of the tanks in search of some food.
If keeping gravel substrate, the Kuhli Loaches will probably dig the gravel with no issues. However, they could end up with some injuries. The same is valid for the Angelfish.
Conclusion
In this post, we discussed the relationship between Angelfish and Kuhli Loaches. We also learnt a bit about their tank requirements and biology.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us in a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Angelfish and Kuhli Loaches
Can I put Kuhli Loach with Angelfish?
Yes, Kuhli Loaches are compatible with Angelfish. These Loaches are awesome tank mates to Angelfish because they are small and peaceful fish.
Do Kuhli Loaches prefer sand or gravel?
Kuhli Loaches prefer fine sandy substrate. They appreciate digging and burying themselves in the substrate. Gravel would not be an issue to be dug by Kuhli Loaches. However, they could end up with some injuries.
How many Kuhli loaches should be kept together?
Kuhli Loaches feel safer and more comfortable while in groups. For this reason, it is important to keep 3 of them together. However, space in a tank will determine how many Kuhli Loaches can inhabit the area. For a group of 3 to 6 individuals, a minimum tank of 20-gallon is required.
What fish are compatible with Kuhli Loach?
Kuhli Loaches are peaceful fish, for this reason, it is important to keep other small peaceful fish with them. Some potential tank mates are Corydoras, danios, rasboras, and tetras. These fish species will be most of the time swimming around. Kuhli Loaches enjoy active swimmer companies.
Can you keep a single Kuhli Loach?
Yes, it is possible to raise only one Kuhli Loach. However, they do better and are more comfortable in groups. Additionally, the larger the group, the more natural is the fish behaviour.
What fish can you keep with Angelfish?
Angelfish can have many peaceful small to medium-sized fish as tank mates. Some of them are mollies, bristlenose plecos, dwarf gourami, and harlequin rasboras. However, it is always recommended to observe your fish behaviours when introducing them to new fish.
References
Jason. 2017. 15 Great Angelfish Tank Mates (Complete Compatibility Guide). https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/angelfish-tank-mates/
Can I Keep Kuhli Loaches With Angelfish? 2021. https://fishkeepingguide.net/kuhli-loach/keep-kuhli-loaches-with-angelfish/
Can kuhli loaches live with angelfish? https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/faq/can-kuhli-loaches-live-with-angelfish/
19 Best Kuhli Loach Tank Mates. 2021. https://tinyunderwater.com/19-best-kuhli-loach-tank-mates/
Sheppard, M. 2020. Kuhli Loach 101: Care, Tank Size, Breeding, And Tank Mates. https://www.aquariumsource.com/kuhli-loach/
