We mistake Kuhli loach for giant Kuhli loach sometimes and Giant Kuhli loach for Kuhli loach. These two are slightly different and can be distinguished clearly when we call them by their scientific name. While Giant Kuhli loach is Pangio myersi, the scientific name of Kuhli loach is Pangio kuhlii. This generic difference in their name is the hint that they are different species with the same name. We know Kuhli loach grows up to 3 to 5 inches but what about size of the Giant Kuhli loach? How big do Giant Kuhli loach get?
Giant Kuhli loach grows up to 4 inches and has a deeper body. The size of Giant Kuhli loach is similar to that of regular Kuhli loach but is quite infrequent to find in the aquarium due to the popularity of Kuhli loach.
The growth of Giant Kuhli loach depends on the diet, tank size, care level, and the tank mates present in the tank along with the water quality and water parameters.
You need to learn more about these things to be fully prepared to take care of the growth rate of Giant Kuhli loach.
I suggest you read the entire article below to know about the size of the Giant Kuhli loach as well as the reason behind it.
Let’s Dive In!
How Big Does Giant Kuhli Loach Get? Giant Kuhli Loach Size
We deal with the misconception that the Giant in the name resembles the big size the Kuhli Loach can get. But that is not the case here and you will surprise to know the truth.
People have not heard of Giant Kuhli loach as much as the regular Kuhli loach. These fish are being shadowed by the popularity of other loaches and are usually unknown to most aquarists.
At first, I thought Kuhli loach and Giant Kuhli loach are the same fish and it was like calling an Otocinclus, Oto.
But I was wrong and I was so shocked when I found out about their differences. Out of all the differences, I learned about many similarities too.
That’s when it was clearer to me why everyone gets these fish confused with each other. Let’s talk about their size now.
Giant Kuhli loach is of a similar size as Kuhli loach and grows up to 4 inches in the aquarium life. This size includes their tail length as well.
However, Giant Kuhli loach has a deeper body compared to the regular Kuhli loach. The size may vary according to the care and treatment you give them.
How Fast Does Giant Kuhli Loach Grow?
Giant Kuhli loach is not a fast grower and will attain sexual maturity quite late compared to most tropical fish.
If you are expecting to have a fish that will cover the tank within months then these loaches should not be your choice.
They will grow up to the sellable size within 6 months but will only reach sexual maturity after 2 years only.
These loaches become 2 to 3 and a half when they become sexually mature and will stop growing once they reach 4 inches in size.
You might wish them to grow throughout their lifespan of 10 years but the growth in size takes place only in the first few years.
After that, if you see them growing in size, that might be an illusion or they are getting obese. Giant Kuhli loach already has a heavier build and body compared to regular Kuhli loach.
But these fish can also get obese due to overeating. If you see unusual growth or your Giant Kuhli loach getting fat, check their diet.
One of the most common beginner’s aquarium mistakes is overfeeding your aquarium fish. Obesity can lead to various health issues in your Giant Kuhli loach as well. Hence, avoid overfeeding your fish.
Factors That Will Determine The Size Of Giant Kuhli Loach
There are many factors that will help your Giant Kuhli loach get big and attain its maximum height.
We may not realize the impact of the simplest things present in the tank but they are directly or indirectly affecting your fish.
I have been through all the struggles while raising Kuhli loach and to your luck, Giant Kuhli loach is easier to raise compared to regular loach.
But there are still things to look at carefully if you want your Giant Kuhli loach to attain maximum size in captivity.
I have talked about each of them separately in the subsection below, read them carefully to understand the impact and consequences.
Tank Size
Tank size is an important factor that determines how well your fish will grow and the development of the internal organs.
I have seen fish struggling to settle in the smaller tank and their internal organs growing continuously while the outer layer stays smaller.
This kind of harsh reality will be the toughest pill to swallow when you end up keeping your fish in the smaller tank than they prefer and ask for.
Giant Kuhli loach may not grow much and remain medium-sized fish throughout their life but they do ask for at least a 20-gallons tank.
You can go for a bigger aquarium without a second thought but never choose a tank smaller than 20 gallons.
Also, you have to keep at least three to six of them in the tank, and going by the per inch per gallon rule, your best choice is a 20-gallons tank.
But I highly recommend you to go for the latter size as space matters when it comes to the growth and size of Giant Kuhli loach.
I have been there and experienced the worse than I can ever imagine. My Kuhli loach struggled to even live within the tank.
I had no idea that the pause in the outer organs does not stop the growth of internal organs. Now, imagine the bigger internal organs packed in a smaller out layer.
It was like filling a suitcase that can capacity to hold 2 pairs of jeans with all the clothes you own. Smaller space stops the growth of the outer body and this will lead to all the chaos.
Your fish will neither grow properly nor will ever attain their maximum size in the smaller tank. Giant Kuhli loach will struggle to survive in the tank let alone grow in size.
Water Parameters
They are not that picky about water quality as other loaches and are actually good for the new aquarists as well.
But that doesn’t mean water parameters will not hamper the growth rate of the Giant Kuhli loach. The constant fluctuation in the water parameters can make the Kuhli loach suffer badly in the tank.
They might be hardy and adjusting but will not be able to changes consistently. Also, if the lifespan decreases due to water parameters failure then there is no question for the size or growth of Giant Kuhli Loach.
You have to maintain the water temperature between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit but the ideal temperature is apparently 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
And be careful with the filtration system as well. I had once found my Kuhli loach swimming in the canister filter. They might swim along with the water current towards the filter.
This will not only hamper the growth of the Giant Kuhli loach but also kill your fish due to inadequate food or space.
Similarly, you need to have an aquarium lid for the tank with Giant Kuhli loach as they are also known for making the high jump out of the tank.
As far as I know dead fish will not grow further and Giant Kuhli loach will most certainly die once they jump out of the aquarium.
Genetics
Some of the fish are born to become bigger while some will stay dwarf, thanks to genetics. Hence, you cannot do anything when it comes to genetics.
Giant Kuhli loaches are genetically modified to become 4 inches so you cannot help them get bigger than that size.
But aquarium life can make these loaches decrease in the size and they will be genetically dwarf and transfer the same gene to their offspring.
There is a thin possibility that your Giant Kuhli loach will be smaller than usual if its parents were smaller in size.
Diet
Food is an essential aspect of life for every living being. We cannot think about growth or smooth functioning without food.
Even fish gets energy and nutrients from the food they consume in the tank. In the wild, they get enough food in the water which helps them grow properly and faster.
So, you have to give them similar types of food in captivity as well. Remember, Giant Kuhli loach asks for food high with proteins for proper growth and functioning.
Bloodworms to brine shrimps, these Kuhli loaches will eat anything that they can find in the tank. They might eat all the leftovers in the tank hence keep an eye on their diet quantity too.
Do not quit feeding them good food just because you find them eating food present in the tank or algae. This food will not sufficient for these food lovers.
Kuhli loach diet is the most important thing you need to look at while raising them in the tank as they love food more immensely than anything else.
Tank Mates
Tankmates can be stressful and will make your fish growth rate slower than usual due to mental health degradation if they are not compatible together.
Hence, you have to be careful while choosing tank mates for Giant Kuhli loach as well. The size of Giant Kuhli loach depends on the fact that they are comfortable and happy in the tank.
Aggressive and territorial tank mates and predators will scare these loaches off to hide in the tank. They might even avoid their favorite part of living i.e., food due to fear of predators.
No food means no nutrients in the body of Giant Kuhli loach which will directly hamper the growth rate. Also, stress will lead to the deterioration of mental health and depression, and various other health issues.
Hence, any problem in mental health will affect the physical growth of the Giant Kuhli loach as well. Go for the medium size aquarium fish that are peaceful and friendly to these loaches.
Barbs, Rainbowfish, some other loaches, etc. will be great tank mates for your Giant Kuhli loaches without any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have answered some of the most asked questions related to the Kuhli loach that might be a help for you as well.
Will Kuhli Loaches Kill Other Fish?
No, Kuhli loaches are not predators that’s why they are one of the most common tank mates for most freshwater fish.
They will not even bother other fish present in their tank. These loaches are bottom-dwellers and will stay at the bottom of the tank.
Predators have teeth that will supposedly tear the flesh and bone of their prey. But these Kuhli loaches do not have those kinds of teeth.
But they will happily devour the dead fish and plants present in the bottom of the tank. Also, Kuhli loach will eat up all the leftovers present at the bottom of the tank and help you clean the tank.
Can Bettas Live With Kuhli Loaches?
Yes, Kuhli loaches are one of the very few fish that will reside by the side of Betta in the same tank. Neither of these will bring harm to the other one in the tank.
Kuhli loaches do not nip fins of the betta and betta will not start an aquarium war with bottom-dweller and peaceful fish like Kuhli loach.
This Kuhli Loach can handle the aggression and mood swings of Betta fish without making any fuss. Most certainly they will hide digging the burrow on the substrate when they are scared of their tank mates and that’s it.
Kuhli loach will mind their own business and scavenge the bottom at night while the betta will enjoy the mid and top section of the tank during the daytime.
But remember to keep Kuhli loach in the group of at least 5 or 6 if you want them to thrive in captivity. Lonely fish will be more problematic for you more than the betta aggression, honestly.
Conclusion
Briefly, Kuhli loach and Giant Kuhli loach have similar sizes in terms of length but your Giant Kuhli loach has a deeper body. You have to be careful while distinguishing them as these loaches can be more rampant than your regular Kuhli loach. You have to take care of the aquarium size, diet, as well as compatible tank mates to make sure they grow properly. Despite having Giant words in their name, these loaches won’t grow as big as you imagine and will stay way smaller or even die when they are not given proper attention and treatment.
Do not try to mix them with fish that are aggressive and predators. You will not fail to distinguish them even when the size is similar to regular Kuhli loach.
If you still have any problems related to knowing their size, weight, or body features, ping me in the comment section. I will try to help you as much as I can when I will moderate the comment.
Good Luck!!!
Happy Fishkeeping!!!