Kuhli loaches with cherry shrimp?

ToddnBecka · Post by **ToddnBecka** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:12 pm

Someone on another aquarium forum was asking whether Kuhli loaches would eat cherry shrimp. I'm not even sure they will eat snails, though I imagine snail eggs would be devoured. Any experiences/thoughts on the matter?

Ecir · Post by **Ecir** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 7:06 am

Since they are omnivorous, the Kuhli Loach will generally eat all kinds of small live and frozen foods and meat based foods are relished the most.

I would say that the Cherries wouldn't be very happy with Kuhli in the tank as they might end up on the menu. If they feel it nessesary to have fish you should reccomend they stick to suckermouth fish, personally I have a couple of Ottos in my Cherry tank.

Shrimp&Snails · Post by **Shrimp&Snails** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 7:20 am

I kept kuhlis with my apple snails and they never did them any harm. Most other loaches aren't suitable to keep with snails but these guys were fine.
They might nibble at baby shrimp but I doubt they would try and eat the adults.

YuccaPatrol · Post by **YuccaPatrol** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:15 am

Yes they will eat shrimp.

Shrimp&Snails · Post by **Shrimp&Snails** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:18 am

Why will kuhlis eat adult shrimp when they don't bother snails in any way, shape or form? Snails are a much easier, slower target.

I can't see it myself.

Ecir · Post by **Ecir** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:43 am

Shrimp&Snails wrote:Why will kuhlis eat adult shrimp when they don't bother snails in any way, shape or form? Snails are a much easier, slower target.

I can't see it myself.

I'm not certain as I've never had the Kuhlis myself but if they're omnivores then they might decide to snack, as for your apple snail maybe it's size and shell kept it safe.

Ecir

Shrimp&Snails · Post by **Shrimp&Snails** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:52 am

I kept my kuhlis with all sizes of apple snails and amano shrimp.

I could see them nibbling baby shrimp but I really don't see why they would bother adult shrimp. If i'm wrong and kuhlis do eat adults I would be very surprised.

ToddnBecka · Post by **ToddnBecka** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 12:11 pm

Hmm, might not be a bad thing if the shrimp population is running amok

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 8:51 pm

It would be better to feed the shrimp less to decrease reproduction. I would not recomend disposing of shrimp by feeding them to fish or other unsavory means

Please give them away to LFS or local members if you have to. I keep my fish seperate from my shrimp, each in their own tank

badflash · Post by **badflash** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 1:30 pm

Kuhli's won't eat adult shrimp but will happily eat babies. I kept one for 23 years (just one) and know these are really kool fish, but I've seen them eat baby guppies as well. They are not active hunter/killers, but if the opportunity is there, they will take them. The kuhli also hides outin the same places as the shrimp, so there are plenty of chances.