Giant Coolie Loach

Appearance:

• Elongated, snake-like body reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length
• Translucent body with a brown or grey base color and faint mottling
• Small, pointed head with barbels around the mouth
• Lack of scales, covered in a protective slime layer
• Forked caudal fin

Behavior:

• Peaceful and shy: Prefers the company of its own kind and other peaceful fish.
• Nocturnal: Most active at night, spending their days hiding in caves, driftwood, or plants.
• Bottom feeders: Constantly sifting through the substrate in search of food.
• Scavengers: Eat leftover food, algae, and detritus.
• Social: Enjoy interacting with other Giant Coolie Loaches through flicking of their bodies and rubbing against each other.

Care requirements:

• Established freshwater aquarium (minimum 20 gallons for a small group)
• Stable water parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
  • pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
• High water quality with good filtration and regular water changes
• Soft, fine-grained sand substrate
• Well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places
• Varied diet, including sinking pellets, algae wafers, and live food (brine shrimp, bloodworms)

Compatibility:

Giant Coolie Loaches are peaceful fish and do well in community aquariums with other peaceful species. Avoid keeping them with aggressive fish that might bully them or large fish that might see them as prey. They are also compatible with shrimp and snails.

Overall, the Giant Coolie Loach is a fascinating and rewarding fish for aquarists who appreciate its unique personality and nocturnal habits. Their peaceful nature, easy care requirements, and scavenger abilities make them a valuable addition to a well-established community tank.