Black kuhli loach - Pangio pangia

Pangio pangia, the black loach, more often called cinnamon lo ach, belongs to the loach-like fishes with the appearance of an eel. In front of their eye is the praeorbital spine characteristic of loaches. Spiny lo aches are found in their native habitats in India and Myanmar in flowing river mouths. Most species are brownish, some have brown or almost black stripes running vertically down the body from the back on a yellowish or beige ground color. There are three pairs of barbels on the mouth, which they use to forage, among other things. With just 6 cm they are one of the smallest representatives of their species, but with very good care they can live up to 9 years.

In search of food, the black roach rummages through the substrate, so that the sensitive barbels are not damaged, fine sand or very fine gravel should be chosen as substrate. Additional large round river pebbles and a dense plant growth in places complete the setup. If the aquarium is not too brightly lit and there are enough plants for cover, the otherwise rather crepuscular animals will also show themselves during the day. The aquarium for the sociable spiny loaches should have an edge length of at least 60 cm.

The breeding of Pangio pangia has so far succeeded only by chance . A targeted reproduction in the aquarium has not been reported yet. With varied feeding, the females set a clearly visible spawn and then appear plumper than the males.

Black Dogfish do well with medium soft to hard water, a water temperature of about 25-29 °C and regular water changes are prerequisites for a high life expectancy. After vigorous water changes the spiny loaches partly swim along the aquarium glass. If the water level is close to the edge of the tank, the animals can even jump out, so their aquarium should be well covered.

Since spiny loaches are very peaceful fish, they can be kept well with Dwarf shrimpbut also with Fan shrimp, as well as smaller tetras, Cory catfish, Loricariids, barbs and viviparous toothcarps. Dogfish are sociable animals that draw their strength from the group, so these very interesting animals should be kept with at least 5 mates.

As omnivores , Black Dogfish will accept almost any commercially available dry food with no problem. Frozen foods, flake foods, food tablets and of course smaller foods Live food like water fleas, cyclops or various mosquito larvae. Since they also eat dead plants, their diet can also be supplemented with scalded vegetables like Zucchini peppers or pumpkin.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfishfeed for all aquarium sucker catfish that eat growth is a balanced tablet food that does not cloud the water and the fish like to eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes that provide sucker catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration. As a snack, supplemental food or vacation food, we recommend the CatfishPlates.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.