Doria's Kuhli Loach

Pangio doriae is a diminutive, lightly patterned kuhli-type loach endemic to Borneo, found in Sarawak and Brunei. It sports a pale, slightly mottled pattern with indistinct blotching on a buff to cream body, and at around 8 cm it is one of the smaller Pangio species available to aquarists. Its modest size and gentle nature make it a particularly good choice for nano or planted aquaria.

This species lives in slow-moving blackwater streams and peat swamps in the wild, and the aquarium should replicate these conditions with tannin-stained, soft water, fine substrate, and abundant plant cover. Like all kuhli loaches, Doria's Kuhli Loach is thoroughly peaceful and poses no threat to any tankmate that is not small enough to consume.

Feeding consists of sinking micro pellets, frozen bloodworm, and daphnia. Given its small size, appropriately sized food is important to ensure individual fish receive sufficient nutrition. With stable, clean water and a well-planted environment this species will thrive and regularly spawn in mature tanks.

Water: pH 5.5–7.0, temperature 24–29°C, soft and acidic blackwater conditions preferred. Tank: 40 L minimum; fine sand, Indian almond leaves, abundant plant cover, secure lid. Feeding: Micro sinking pellets, frozen daphnia, cyclops, and bloodworm. Breeding: Occasional spawning reported in mature planted tanks; scatters eggs in vegetation. Compatibility: Ideal for nano communities with small tetras, rasboras, and ember tetras.