Loaches Online Forum

Hello- I have 4 kuhli loaches, 2 brown, 2 striped, for 4 years. They are in a 20 gallon tank with medium plantings, all measurements normal, temp about 78-80F. They eat Hikari sinking wafers, 3 per day and all have been active, friendly, healthy. They come out and dance in the filter stream, or rest draped on a plant, or cuddle under the plants. A few days ago, a fat striped one began to lie on his/her back on the bottom. Is this a bad sign? Normal behavior? They all lie around sometimes, but not on their backs, until this one, now.
I am concerned. Can anyone shed some light on this?
Thank you.

Hi,
As it's just one fish behaving oddly I wouldn't be too concerned. I've had similar experiences with my Khulis in the past (they are prone to odd behaviour) - just do a 10 -15 % water change as a precaution.

As a general guide:
Check your Khuli for signs of unusually red gills or stomach discolouration, also fin damage. I always look at a fishes eyes to see how healthy they are, if the are black & shiny -that is good - if they are dull or sunken, not too good.
Other members may have different tips to offer, but with loaches -water change rather than medication works for me.

Personally, I would feed them less often - 2 times should be enough, early morning & late night

Hope this helps.

maybe feed other foods such as bloodworms and other live foods