Coolie loach

The coolie loach reaches about 12 cm total 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 Southeast Asia. These are social fish that should be kept in groups of five or more in a tank of at least 60 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 24–30 °C and pH 5.5–6.5 suit them; they are sensitive to nitrate and do best in mature, stable tanks. They are completely 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.