Care Level : Easy-Medium, tank needs to be well covered so it can't squeeze out
Size : 3 - 4.5 inches (8-11 cm)
pH : 6 - 7
Temperature : 75°F - 85°F (24°C - 29°C)
Water Hardness : medium soft to medium
Origin / Habitat : Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Sarawak
Lifespan : approximately 10 years in well kept conditions.
Temperament / Behavior : Peaceful; most active at dusk; feeds at night, hides during the day
Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : Breeding can be difficult in the home aquarium. The eggs buried beneath the surface and stuck to plant roots. Most breeding is done by accident when many coolies are put into a tank and they mate by themselves. The best way to breed them is to get a bunch of them and get a tank with an under gravel filter and leave only coolies in the tank and leave it alone for a few weeks, while still doing the regular maintenance.
Tank Size : 10 gallon minimum
Compatible Tank Mates : Many due to peaceful nature. Just don't keep with fish big enough to eat them. They prefer to be kept in schools of 3 or more.
Fish Disease : susceptible to regular fish diseases, no specifics - Freshwater Fish Disease - Diagnose, Symptoms and Treatment
Diet / Fish Food : Scavenger, sinking food pellets preferred, live foods
Tank Region : Bottom dweller
Gender : Female coolie loach may be more plump when ready to breed.
Similar Species : Loaches
Extra : They prefer sand for a substrate instead of regular gravel. If sand isn't an option, use very smooth rocks for the bottom so the loaches don't scratch up their body. - sources:fishlore.com
I would recommend 6-9
