The article in brief
The Pangio kuhlii, an interesting freshwater fish native to South-East Asia, stands out for its unique characteristics.
- Unique appearance Serpentiform body, 8-12 cm long, with dark spots and barbels
- Habitat Fresh waters of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia
- Behaviour Nocturnal and gregarious, sensitive to atmospheric changes
- Maintenance Relatively easy, requires numerous hiding places
- Longevity : Impressive, between 8 and 15 years old
Ah, the Pangio kuhlii ! This interesting little fish has always intrigued me. With its elongated body and unique personality, it brings a touch of originality to our aquariums. Let me tell you more about this captivating species, which I've had the pleasure of observing at close quarters over the years.
Discovering the Pangio kuhlii: an unusual fish
Le Pangio kuhliialso known as kuhli, kuhli loche or snake loche, is a small freshwater fish native to South-East Asia. Its unusual appearance never fails to attract the attention of aquarists, myself included!
The first thing that strikes you about this fish is its slender, serpentine body. Measuring between 8 and 12 cm when fully grown, it is salmon-coloured with dark spots. But what has always fascinated me is its three pairs of barbels around the mouth, giving it a look that is both comical and endearing.
An interesting detail: its eyes are covered by a protective membrane, a perfect adaptation to its burrowing lifestyle. And get this: it even has a retractile spine under its eyes! It's a real little aquatic ninja, I'm telling you!
Natural habitat and behaviour of the Pangio kuhlii
In the wild, this small fish is found in the fresh waters of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. It is particularly fond of slow-flowing rivers and clear mountain streams. I've always been impressed by its ability to adapt to different environments.
Le Pangio kuhlii is a nocturnal and gregarious fish. In my experience, it's best to keep them in groups of at least 5 to 10 so that they feel safe and can express their natural behaviour to the full. It's a real spectacle to see them swim together!
A funny thing I've noticed over the years is that these little fish are particularly sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure. I've sometimes seen them become more active just before a storm, as if they were sensing the change in weather. It's fascinating to see how nature has endowed them with this ability!
Feeding and reproduction
Being omnivorous, the Pangio kuhlii is not fussy about food. In my aquarium, I offer them a varied mix:
- Worms (live or frozen)
- Small aquatic insects
- Quality dry food
As for reproduction, it remains a challenge in the aquarium. Despite my best efforts, I've never managed to spawn. It's an aspect that still requires a lot of research and experimentation for enthusiasts like us!
Maintaining Pangio kuhlii in the aquarium
Good news for beginners: the Pangio kuhlii is relatively easy to maintain in an aquarium. Here is a small table summarising the ideal parameters:
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| pH | 5,5 – 7,0 |
| Temperature | 23 - 30°C |
| Hardness (GH) | 1 – 10 |
| Minimum volume | 50 - 150 litres |
To create the optimum environment, don't be afraid to use lots of hiding places. Personally, I like to use roots, PVC tubes and broad-leaved plants. It's a real pleasure to watch them squeeze in between these elements!
They generally cohabit peacefully with other calm species. I've had excellent experiences associating them with betta and aquarium shrimps. It's a real feast for the eyes to see these different species evolving harmoniously together.
Tips for a successful aquarium
Here are a few tips I've gleaned over the years to ensure the well-being of your Pangio kuhlii :
- Opt for a fine substrate to allow them to forage without injuring themselves.
- Keep filtration gentle to avoid stressing them.
- Change the water regularly, but not too much so as not to disturb their environment.
- Feed them preferably in the evening, when they are most active.
An interesting aquatic companion
Le Pangio kuhlii is truly a fish that never ceases to amaze me. Their impressive longevity of 8 to 15 years makes them a long-lasting companion for our aquariums. I've always been impressed by their ability to adapt and bring life to our miniature aquatic ecosystems.
As a pet shop floor manager, I can only recommend this species to aquarium enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, the Pangio kuhlii will win you over with its unique charm and intriguing behaviour. Don't hesitate to embark on this wonderful aquatic adventure!
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