Who's a girl?

[kitluvr]

I have two Kuhli Loaches. How can you tell between male and female?

[Mark in Vancouver]

Do you know what species they are? Eventually, it's likely that if you have a female (don't assume you have one of each sex), she will become gravid, which is a bit of a giveaway.

Until then, if you can determine the species, it may help.

[kitluvr]

What do you mean, what species they are? I though that Kuhli was the species?

[Mark in Vancouver]

Go here: http://www.loaches.com/species-index/species-index

Scroll down to Pangio and look at some good photos of most of the Kuhli species we know about. The genus is Pangio, and you may have a Pangio kuhlii, but this should not be assumed.

[kitluvr]

I think I may have the Pangio Semicincta. I have included some pictures. Maybe you can tell me if I am correct. My Kuhlis have about 12 saddles on their backs.

[Graeme Robson]

They certainly look like Pangio Semicincta's. I would also recommend that you add more to the group, these chaps are very social with one another.

[Mark in Vancouver]

I agree with Graeme. You might also want to consider taking out your gravel and using some sand, which the kuhlis can forage and dig in. The loaches look pretty healthy.

[kitluvr]

I already have 10 snails in the tank with my two loaches. If I add more won't I really be over-loading the tank, and how many more should I add? remember the tank is only a 10 gallon. I must say that Since I got the loaches, I don't see very many planeria in the tank. Either the loaches are keeping the population of the planeria down or they are just hiding from the enemy. Anyway, Isure enjoy having them in the tank. I have the tank set right by the toilet and whenever I go to visit the "throne", I get to watch a little show. Something to do, don'tchya know.