Coolie loach

The coolie loach (Pangio semicincta) reaches about 10 cm standard length and is one of the most recognisable loaches in the aquarium trade — an eel-like body in pinkish-orange with bold dark vertical bands. It comes from the soft, acidic streams and peat swamps of Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. These are social fish that should be kept in groups of five or more in a tank with a base of at least 60 by 30 cm (about 54 L) with a fine sand substrate — they spend much of their time buried or foraging through the substrate with sensory barbels around the mouth. Temperature of 21–26 °C and pH 5.5–6.5 suit them; they are sensitive to nitrate and do best in mature, stable tanks. They are generally peaceful and mix well with small to medium community fish. At night they become active and can be seen weaving through plants and decor. Diet is omnivorous: sinking catfish pellets, frozen bloodworm and daphnia, and small live foods. A tight-fitting lid is essential — they can squeeze through tiny gaps. The nocturnal, burrowing behaviour means they are seen more in dimly lit tanks with lots of cover.