Kuhli loach
species of fish
The true Kuhli loach (Pangio kuhlii), which can be used synonymously with "coolie" loach, occasionally referred to as eel loach, is a small eel-like freshwater fish belonging to the loach family (Cobitidae). They originate from the island of Java in Indonesia. This serpentine, worm-shaped creature is very slender and nocturnal. Its distinctive orange-pink coloration with triangular black stripes and long lifespan makes it a popular aquarium species.
Description
The kuhli loach is an eel-shaped fish with slightly compressed sides (Anguilliform body structure), four pairs of barbels around the mouth, and very small fins. The dorsal fin starts behind the middle of the body, and the anal fin well behind this. The eyes are covered with transparent skin. The body has 10 to 15 dark brown to black vertical bars, and the gaps between them are salmon pink to yellow with a light underside. The stripes can be different on every individual but are mainly thick and solid stripes that can sometimes be split to reveal orange along the dorsal side. When the fish is not actively breeding, distinctions between males and females are not readily apparent.
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