Can Black Kuhli Loach live with Pinto Shrimp?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow temperature overlap — keep both around 73–74°F.
- Black Kuhli Loach leaves adult Pinto Shrimp alone but eats the babies — the colony survives with plenty of cover.
Sweet spot: both do well at 73–74°F and pH 5.8–6.8 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Black Kuhli Loach | Pinto Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–86°F | 68–74°F |
| pH | 5.5–7 | 5.8–6.8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 2–10 dGH | 3–6 dGH |
| Adult size | 3" | 1" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 20 gal | 5 gal |
Together, plan on at least 20 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Keep a large, established shrimp colony in a heavily planted tank with moss and cover so enough survive to breed.
Sort it with: An adjustable heater → Chewy
Where to buy
- Black Kuhli Loach: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Pinto Shrimp: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Build a full tank around this stocking →Everything compatible with Black Kuhli Loach · …with Pinto Shrimp