Black Kuhli Loach
Pickup currently unavailable at Napier
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
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The Black Kuhli Loach (Pangio oblonga) is a peaceful, eel-like bottom-dwelling fish valued for its solid dark coloration and active scavenging behaviour. Unlike the striped Kuhli Loach, this species displays a uniform deep brown to black body, making it a striking contrast against light substrates in planted aquariums.
Black Kuhli Loaches are nocturnal and social fish that thrive in groups. When provided with appropriate hiding spaces and soft substrates, they become active and engaging members of peaceful community aquariums.
Physical Characteristics
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Adult Size: Approximately 8–10 cm (3–4 inches)
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Coloration: Solid dark brown to black
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Body Shape: Slender, eel-like profile
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Fins: Small and subtle
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Sexual Dimorphism:
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Females are typically rounder and slightly larger
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Males are slimmer
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Behaviour & Temperament
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Temperament: Very peaceful
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Tank Level: Bottom
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Social Behaviour: Should be kept in groups of 4 or more
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Activity Level: Nocturnal to crepuscular
Suitable Tank Mates
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Other peaceful tetras
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Rasboras
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Corydoras catfish
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Dwarf cichlids (peaceful species)
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Gouramis (non-aggressive species)
Avoid:
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Aggressive or predatory fish
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Large cichlids
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Fish that compete aggressively for food
Breeding Information
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Spawning Type: Egg scatterer
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Breeding Setup:
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Soft, slightly acidic water
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Fine-leaved plants or spawning mops
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Parental Care: None
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Notes: Breeding is rare in home aquariums
Special Considerations
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Sensitive to poor water quality
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Requires soft substrate to prevent injury
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Excellent escape artists — a tight-fitting lid is essential
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More active in dimly lit or heavily planted tanks
Aquarium Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size: 30 litres
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Water Temperature: 22–28°C
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pH Range: 5.5–7.5
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Water Hardness: 2–10 dGH
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Substrate: Sand or fine grave
- Decor: Live plants, driftwood, Rocks, shaded areas
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Filtration: Gentle, well-maintained
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Lighting: Low to moderate
Diet & Feeding
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Diet Type: Omnivore
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Recommended Foods:
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Frozen foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp
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Occasional live foods for conditioning
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Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily in small portions
Pet City aims to provide up to date product information including ingredients, size and colour specifications, packaging and product features, as provided to us by the product manufacturer. As product details change from time to time, this information is intended as a guide only and some delay may occur in the updating of our listing. Product images are indicative of the appearance and the product delivered may vary slightly from the product image show. When precise information is important, we recommend that you read the label on the products you purchase or contact the manufacturer of the product.
