Collection: Loaches

Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii)

The Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii) is a peaceful and fascinating freshwater fish, known for its slender, eel-like body and striking black and gold bands. Native to Southeast Asia, this bottom-dwelling species is an excellent choice for community tanks, where its shy but active behavior adds charm. Its nocturnal nature and ability to forage for uneaten food make it both an entertaining and functional addition to your aquarium.

Product Details

• Species: Pangio kuhlii
• Common Names: Kuhli Loach, Coolie Loach
• Origin: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand)
• Diet: Omnivore
• Maximum Size: 10–12 cm (4–5 inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
Kuhli Loaches thrive in aquariums of at least 40 liters, with soft sandy or fine gravel substrate to protect their delicate skin while foraging. Include plenty of hiding spots such as caves, driftwood, and dense plants to make them feel secure. Low lighting or subdued areas of the tank can help encourage their natural behaviors. Ensure a tight-fitting lid, as these loaches are known to explore and can escape through small gaps.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3–10 dGH)

Diet:
Kuhli Loaches are omnivorous and will scavenge the substrate for leftover food. Offer sinking pellets or wafers as a staple, along with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They also enjoy occasional blanched vegetables, such as zucchini or cucumber.

Behavior and Compatibility:
Kuhli Loaches are peaceful and thrive in groups of 5 or more, where they display natural schooling and social behavior. They are compatible with other small, peaceful tankmates, including tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and dwarf gouramis. Avoid housing them with aggressive or territorial species.

Growth and Maintenance:

Kuhli Loaches grow up to 12 cm and are hardy with proper care. Regular water changes and consistent monitoring of water quality are essential for their health. Their foraging behavior helps keep the substrate clean, but they should not be relied upon as the sole cleaning crew in the tank.

Availability:
Kuhli Loaches (Pangio kuhlii) are available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and add this unique and peaceful loach to your freshwater aquarium today!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.

Botia Lohachata (Botia lohachata)

The Botia Lohachata, commonly known as the Yo-Yo Loach or Reticulated Loach, is a highly active and social freshwater fish, known for its striking silver body adorned with black, maze-like patterns that resemble "Y" and "O" shapes. Native to South Asia, this bottom-dwelling species is prized for its playful behavior, intelligence, and ability to help control pest snail populations in aquariums.

Product Details

• Species: Botia lohachata
• Common Names: Yo-Yo Loach, Reticulated Loach, Pakistani Loach
• Origin: South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal)
• Diet: Omnivore
• Maximum Size: 12–15 cm (5–6 inches)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive (social but active)
• Care Level: Moderate

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
The Yo-Yo Loach thrives in tanks of at least 150 liters, with a soft, sandy substrate that allows for natural foraging. Provide plenty of hiding spaces using rocks, driftwood, and plants, as these loaches enjoy exploring and seeking shelter. They are best kept in small groups of at least 3–5 individuals to encourage social behavior and reduce stress. A well-oxygenated tank with moderate water flow is ideal.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 22°C – 28°C
• pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5–15 dGH)

Diet:
Yo-Yo Loaches are omnivorous and require a well-balanced diet. Provide high-quality sinking pellets or wafers, along with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They are known for their appetite for pest snails, making them a natural solution for controlling snail populations in aquariums.

Behavior and Compatibility:
These loaches are active, curious, and social but can be boisterous, so they are best housed with similarly sized, semi-aggressive tankmates such as barbs, tetras, angelfish, and peaceful cichlids. Avoid keeping them with very small or timid fish that may be intimidated by their energetic nature. Yo-Yo Loaches may occasionally engage in playful chasing but are generally peaceful when kept in groups.

Growth and Maintenance:

Yo-Yo Loaches can grow up to 15 cm and require regular maintenance to ensure a healthy environment. Perform frequent water changes and maintain high water quality, as they can be sensitive to poor conditions. Their intelligence and entertaining personality make them a rewarding and engaging species for freshwater aquariums.

Availability:
Botia Lohachata (Botia lohachata) is available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact the store to check availability and bring home this lively and interactive fish today!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.

The Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata), also known as the Reticulated Hillstream Loach, is a fascinating freshwater species admired for its unique, flattened body and intricate maze-like patterning. Native to fast-flowing streams in Southeast Asia, this species thrives in well-oxygenated aquariums with strong currents, making it an excellent choice for planted or river-style tanks. It is a peaceful bottom-dweller that adds both beauty and function to an aquarium by helping to control algae growth.

Product Details

• Species: Sewellia lineolata
• Common Names: Hillstream Loach, Reticulated Hillstream Loach
• Origin: Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia)
• Diet: Omnivore
• Maximum Size: 5–7 cm (2–2.75 inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Moderate

Care Guidelines

Aquarium Setup:
Hillstream Loaches require a well-oxygenated tank with a strong water current, replicating their natural habitat. A tank size of at least 75 liters (20 gallons) is recommended, with smooth rocks, driftwood, and sand or fine gravel substrate. Providing plenty of hiding spots and an established biofilm will support their natural feeding habits.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 20°C – 25°C (68°F – 77°F)
• pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to Moderate (4–12 dGH)

Diet:
Hillstream Loaches are primarily algae grazers but benefit from a varied diet. They will consume algae naturally growing in the tank, but supplement their diet with sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables (such as zucchini and spinach), and occasional protein-based foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp.

Behavior and Compatibility:
These loaches are peaceful and do well in community aquariums with other non-aggressive species. They should be kept in groups of at least three to encourage natural behavior. Good tankmates include small tetras, rasboras, danios, and other loaches. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or territorial fish.

Growth and Maintenance:

Hillstream Loaches remain relatively small, reaching a maximum size of about 7 cm. Regular maintenance is essential to keep their environment clean and well-oxygenated. Strong filtration, regular water changes, and the presence of biofilm-covered surfaces contribute to their overall well-being.

Availability:

Hillstream Loaches (Sewellia lineolata) are available at Cradle Coast Pet & Aquarium. Visit or contact us today to check availability and add this unique algae-grazing species to your tank!

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.