The article in brief
The pangio kuhlii, a fascinating exotic fish, is an excellent choice for community aquariums. Here are the key points to remember:
- Affordable price between 2 and 5 euros per person
- Easy maintenance omnivorous, adapts well to community aquariums
- Social behaviour : to be maintained as a group from 5 to 10 individuals minimum
- Adapted housing 120-160 litre aquarium with fine substrate and hiding places
- Longevity : can live up to 15-16 years with appropriate care
I've been a keen aquarist since I was very young, and have always been fascinated by exotic fish. Among them, the pangio kuhlii holds a special place in my heart. This little serpentine fish, with its elegant appearance and intriguing behaviour, is a fascinating addition to any community aquarium. Today, I'm going to share with you my knowledge of this charming freshwater inhabitant and guide you through the essential aspects of its acquisition and care.
The price of pangio kuhlii: an affordable investment
When it comes to buying a pangio kuhlii, you'll be delighted to learn that its price is particularly affordable. In general, you can expect to pay between €2 and €5 per individual. That's a really reasonable price for such a captivating fish!
But don't forget that these little aquatic companions are social animals. We strongly recommend keeping them in groups of at least 5 to 10 individuals. So, for a group of 5 Pangios kuhlii, your initial investment will be between €10 and €25. A very affordable price to bring life and movement to your aquarium!
Factors influencing price
A number of factors can influence the pangio kuhlii prize :
- The size of the fish (larger specimens may cost a little more)
- Breeding quality
- The rarity of certain coloured varieties
- Place of purchase (specialist pet shop, supermarket, private breeder)
Ancillary costs to consider
As well as the purchase price of the fish themselves, it's essential to factor in the cost of housing them. An aquarium of at least 120-160 litres is recommended for a group of Pangios kuhlii. Here's an overview of the additional costs to be expected:
| Element | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Aquarium (120-160L) | 80-150€ |
| Adapted filter | 30-60€ |
| Heating | 20-40€ |
| Fine substrate (sand) | 15-30€ |
| Decoration (plants, roots, rocks) | 30-80€ |
Don't forget that these costs are initial investments. In the long term, maintaining an aquarium for Pangios kuhlii is relatively economical.
Characteristics and requirements of pangio kuhlii
Before embarking on the purchase of these charming fish, it's important to understand their characteristics and specific needs. This will enable you to offer them the best possible living conditions and make the most of their presence in your aquarium.
Origin and appearance
The pangio kuhlii, also known as the kuhli loche or snake loche, is native to Southeast Asia. It is found mainly in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Its elongated, slender body, which can reach an adult size of 8 to 15 cm, is orange to yellow in colour, with characteristic dark spots. It's a captivating fish to watch, especially when it weaves in and out of plants and decorations in the aquarium.
A funny anecdote: on my first encounter with these fish, I thought I was looking at miniature eels! The way they move, gracefully undulating in the water, is truly mesmerising.
Ideal maintenance conditions
To ensure that your Pangios kuhlii flourish, here are the parameters to be respected:
- Temperature: 22-30°C (ideally between 24 and 28°C)
- pH: 5.5-7.2
- Hardness: 1-13 GH
These fish are particularly fond of a fine substrate, such as sand, which allows them to rummage around without risking injury. Don't hesitate to add hiding places in the form of roots, rocks or dense plants. They love to take refuge there, especially during the day, as they are mainly nocturnal.
A fascinating detail: pangios kuhlii are able to breathe atmospheric air! So it's not uncommon to see them rise quickly to the surface for a breath of air. This is perfectly normal behaviour and nothing to worry about.
Maintaining and living with Pangio kuhlii
Now that you know the essential characteristics of the Pangio kuhlii, let's take a look at its daily care and cohabitation with other species. These aspects are crucial to the well-being of your little protégés and the harmony of your aquarium.
Nutrition and daily care
The Pangio kuhlii is an omnivorous fish, which makes feeding much easier. In my experience, they are particularly fond of bloodworms. Here are a few options for varying their menu:
- Pellets for groundfish
- Frozen food (artemia, daphnia)
- Small pieces of boiled vegetables (courgette, spinach)
As far as aquarium maintenance is concerned, a monthly renewal of 20-30% of water volume is recommended. This routine helps maintain optimum water quality, which is essential for the health of your fish. Don't forget to treat tap water with a conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines before adding it to the aquarium.
If you would like to find out more about characteristics and care of pangio kuhlii fish in aquariumsI strongly recommend that you consult our complete guide on the subject.
Cohabitation and social behaviour
The Pangio kuhlii is a peaceful, gregarious fish, making it an excellent choice for community aquariums. However, it is essential to choose your tank mates carefully. Absolutely avoid aggressive fish or Cichlids that could stress or injure your kuhli loaches.
Here are some examples of ideal flatmates:
- Capercaillie
- Rasboras
- Corydoras
- Aquarium shrimps
In fact, if you're thinking of adding shrimp to your aquarium, you might be interested in our article on choosing the ideal filter for a shrimp aquarium. A good filtration system is essential for keeping the water clear and healthy, which is good for both your Pangios kuhlii and your prawns.
As a pet shop floor manager, I've often had the opportunity to observe the fascinating behaviour of pangios kuhlii in groups. The way they curl up together in their hiding places or happily chase each other is a real spectacle! That's why I always recommend that aquarists acquire at least 5 to 10 Pangios kuhlii to take full advantage of their social behaviour.
An aquatic companion for everyone
The Pangio kuhlii is a truly extraordinary fish that deserves a place in your aquarium. Its affordable price, ease of care and captivating behaviour make it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
With a lifespan of up to 15 to 16 years, these little loaches will be your faithful aquatic companions for many years to come. Their presence will bring life, movement and a touch of the exotic to your aquarium.
Don't forget that the well-being of your fish depends largely on the quality of their environment. Invest in good equipment, respect the water parameters and offer them a varied diet. Your pangios kuhlii will reward you with vitality and captivating behaviour.
So, are you ready to welcome these charming snake fish into your aquarium? I'm sure you won't regret it. Dive into the adventure of the pangio kuhlii and let yourself be seduced by their grace and unique personality!
External sources :
wiki aquaculture
wiki fish farming
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