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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: coolie loach

Synonyms and Other Names: giant coolie loach, leopard eel, prickly eye, striped loach, leopard loach, kuhli loach, Kuhl's loach

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Distinguishing characteristics were given by Sterba (1973), Kottelat and Lim (1993). According to Kottelat et al. (1993), Pangio kuhlii may represent a species complex; commonly used synonyms include Acanthophthalmus kuhli, A. semicinctus, and Pangio semicincta. Illustrations or photographs appeared in Sterba (1973), Axelrod et al. (1985), Kottelat et al. (1993), and Sakurai et al. (1993).

Size: 8 cm (Sterba 1973) to 12 cm TL (Riehl and Baensch 1991)

Native Range: Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Malaysia (Kottelat et al. 1993).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Probable escape from an ornamental fish farm.

Status: Failed in Florida.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: This species, or species complex, is common in the aquarium trade. It is a nocturnal scavenger. Voucher specimen: Florida (UF 98930).

References: (click for full references)

Axelrod, H. R., W. E. Burgess, N. Pronek, and J. G. Walls. 1985. Dr. Axelrod's atlas of freshwater aquarium fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Kottelat, M. and K.K.P. Lim. 1993. A review of the eel-loaches of the genus Pangio (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from the Malay Peninsula, with descriptions of six new species. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 41(2): 208-210.

Kottelat, M., A. J. Whitten, S. N. Kartikasari, and S. Wirjoatmodjo. 1993. Freshwater fishes of Western Indonesia and Sulawesi. Periplus Editions, Ltd., Republic of Indonesia. 221 pp. (+ plates).

Rieh. R. and H.A. Baensch. 1991 Aquarien Atlas. Band 1. Melle: Mergus, Verlag für Natur-und Heimtierkunde, Germany. 992 p.

Sterba, G. 1973. Freshwater fishes of the world. English translation and revision from German. Two volumes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Other Resources:
Kuhli loach (Pangio kuhlii) - Loaches Online

US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Pangio kuhlii

Author: Leo Nico, and Bill Loftus

Peer Review Date: 7/26/2012

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.