Java Loach

Java Loach

Pangio oblonga

Also known as: Black Kuhli Loach, Chocolate Kuhli Loach

💧 Freshwater ✌️ Peaceful 🟢 Easy 🍽️ Omnivore Schooling (5+)

Solid dark brown to black eel-shaped loach closely related to the kuhli loach. Equally shy and nocturnal.

Tank Size

15 gal
minimum (20+ preferred)

Temperature

72–82°F
22–28°C

pH Range

5.5–7
water acidity

Max Size

3"
7.6 cm

Lifespan

8–10 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Bottom
preferred zone

Care Notes

Same care as kuhli loaches — sand substrate, hiding spots, and groups. Slightly hardier than the banded kuhli.

Feeding

Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and wafers. Feed at night.

Compatible Tank Mates

Neon Tetra 1.5" Cardinal Tetra 2" Rummy Nose Tetra 2" Congo Tetra 3.5" Glowlight Tetra 1.5" Harlequin Rasbora 2" Celestial Pearl Danio 1" Zebra Danio 2" Bloodfin Tetra 2" Lemon Tetra 1.5" Black Neon Tetra 1.5" Diamond Tetra 2.5"

Use Caution With

Ember Tetra 0.8" Black Skirt Tetra 2.5" Serpae Tetra 1.75" Chili Rasbora 0.7" Buenos Aires Tetra 3" Silvertip Tetra 2" Phoenix Rasbora 0.8" Exclamation Point Rasbora 0.7" Colombian Tetra 2.5" Giant Danio 4" Kubotai Rasbora 0.8" Blue Tetra 2.5"

Incompatible With

White Cloud Mountain Minnow 1.5" Oscar 14" Jack Dempsey 10" Convict Cichlid 5" Green Terror 8" Texas Cichlid 12" Pike Cichlid 10" Salvini Cichlid 8" Red Devil 12" Jaguar Cichlid 16" Flowerhorn 12" Midas Cichlid 12"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Java Loach is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.