Can Banded Kuhli Loach live with Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp?
Light caution
Why
- Banded Kuhli Loach leaves adult Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp alone but eats the babies — the colony survives with plenty of cover.
- No overlapping pH: Banded Kuhli Loach wants 5.5–7 but Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp wants 7.5–8.5.
Side-by-side
| Banded Kuhli Loach | Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–86°F | 79–86°F |
| pH | 5.5–7 | 7.5–8.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 3–10 dGH | 4–8 dGH |
| Adult size | 4" | 0.8" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 20 gal | 10 gal |
Together, plan on at least 20 gallons.
How to make it work
- Keep a large, established shrimp colony in a heavily planted tank with moss and cover so enough survive to breed.
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Where to buy
- Banded Kuhli Loach: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Cardinal Sulawesi 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 Banded Kuhli Loach · …with Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp