Scientific Name: Pangio piperata (Kottelat & Lim, 1993)
Common name: None specific to species. Will be possibly called "Brown Kuhli Loach" by most dealers.
Synonyms: None.
Distribution: Indonesia, Malaysia.
Sexual Dimorphism: Females noticeably plumper when loaded with eggs like other Pangio species.
Maximum size: 2.5 inches (6cm)
Similar to: Some other brown Pangio species. Has been erronously imported as Pangio shelfordi. That species is extremely variable and certain populations can look similar to P. piperata.
Care: All kuhlis need well established aquaria and should not be considered for newly set up tanks.
Lots of hiding places with soft substrate. This is a very small, slim and curious fish. Filter and power head intakes should be covered with a sponge filter to keep this Pangio from getting sucked into the filtration. Best kept in groups, the larger the better. Three fish is the absolute minimum that should be kept together.
Feeding: Easily fed. Accepts good quality flake, sinking pellets, thawed frozen Bloodworm, Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, etc.
Water parameters: pH: 6.5-7.5. Hardness: Medium Soft to Medium. Max dh:
Temperature: 78 - 82ºF (25.5 - 28ºC)
Breeding: Not bred in aquaria.
Notes: This species loves aquaria with plenty of cover and ideally with some loose leaf litter. In nature, they habitually grub around for food particles in such areas.
Similar to some other brown-coloured Pangio species, P. piperata may be distinguished by dark speckling over the base colour, and a noticeable transition point between body and lighter head colour.
Caption:
Credit: Martin Thoene
Caption:
Credit: Martin Thoene
Caption:
Credit: Martin Thoene
Caption: Female (left), Male (right).
Credit: Martin Thoene
Caption:
Credit: Martin Thoene