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Pangio filinaris is a small, eel-like freshwater fish belonging to the family Cobitidae. It is characterized by its slender, elongated body and distinctive striped pattern. These fish are benthic, spending most of their time burrowing in soft substrates. They are known for their shy and reclusive nature, often hiding during the day and becoming more active at night.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- eel-like
- Coloration
- The body is typically light brown to yellowish-orange, adorned with 10-15 dark brown to black vertical bands or saddles that extend from the dorsal surface down to the ventral side, often not meeting completely on the belly. The intensity and width of these bands can vary. The ventral side is usually lighter.
- Scale type
- none
- Mouth position
- inferior
- Distinctive features
- Elongated, vermiform body, Small, inferior mouth with three pairs of barbels, Small, almost rudimentary fins, Distinctive striped pattern of dark bands on a lighter body, Absence of scales (or scales are deeply embedded and not visible)
- Dorsal fin
- Small, located far back on the body, typically posterior to the midpoint.
- Tail fin
- Small, rounded or slightly truncate, often with a dark spot at the base.
- Pectoral fin
- Small and paddle-like, positioned low on the body.
- Distinctive fins
- All fins are relatively small and inconspicuous, adapted for burrowing rather than strong swimming.
Identification Tips
Body Shape and Size
Look for a very slender, eel-like body, typically reaching a maximum length of 5-7 cm (2-2.8 inches).
Coloration and Pattern
Observe the light brown to yellowish body with 10-15 distinct dark vertical bands or saddles. The bands are usually well-defined and extend down the sides.
Mouth and Barbels
Note the small, inferior mouth surrounded by three pairs of short barbels, which are used for foraging in the substrate.
Fin Placement
The dorsal fin is positioned far back on the body, closer to the caudal fin than to the head.
Habitat
- Water type
- freshwater
- Depth
- Benthic, typically found in shallow, slow-moving waters.
- Environment
- Found in clear, slow-flowing streams, rivers, and oxbow lakes with soft, sandy, or muddy substrates, often with leaf litter and dense aquatic vegetation. They prefer areas with plenty of cover.
- Geographic range
- Native to Southeast Asia, specifically known from the Malay Peninsula (e.g., Malaysia, Singapore) and parts of Indonesia (e.g., Sumatra, Borneo).
Aquarium Information
- Care level: intermediate
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum tank size: 10 gallons (40 liters)
- Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- pH level: 6.0-7.5
- Hardness: 2-10 dGH
- Compatibility: Excellent with other peaceful, small to medium-sized community fish. Avoid aggressive or very large tank mates that might prey on them. Best kept in groups of 6 or more.
- Special requirements: Requires a soft, sandy substrate (at least 2-3 inches deep) for burrowing, plenty of hiding places (driftwood, caves, dense planting), and subdued lighting. Good water quality with gentle filtration is essential. They are sensitive to poor water conditions and medications containing copper.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: No specific seasonal behavior patterns are documented for this species in the wild, as they are active year-round within their tropical habitat.
- Market price: Low to medium (primarily for the aquarium trade)
- Commercial importance: low
- Taste: Not typically consumed
- Texture: Not typically consumed
- Nutritional value: Not typically consumed
Key Facts
Burrowing Behaviorbehavior
Pangio filinaris is an expert burrower, often disappearing into the substrate for extended periods, especially during the day. This behavior helps them feel secure and escape predators.
Nocturnal Naturebehavior
These loaches are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, becoming most active during dusk and dawn, and throughout the night, when they emerge to forage.
Air Breathinginteresting
Like many loaches, Pangio filinaris can gulp atmospheric air at the surface and absorb oxygen through its highly vascularized intestine, especially in oxygen-poor environments.
Social Fishbehavior
Despite their shy nature, Striped Dwarf Earthworm Eels are social fish and thrive when kept in groups of at least six individuals. Solitary specimens can become stressed and reclusive.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: not recommended
- Handling notes: Pangio filinaris is harmless to humans. When handling for aquarium maintenance or transfer, use a soft net or cup to avoid damaging their delicate skin. They are prone to jumping, so keep tanks covered.
Similar Species
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
Pangio kuhlii typically has fewer (5-10) and broader dark bands, which are often more irregular and may not extend as far ventrally. P. filinaris generally has more numerous, narrower, and more regular bands. P. kuhlii also tends to be slightly larger.
Black Kuhli Loach
Pangio oblonga
Pangio oblonga is uniformly dark brown to black, lacking the distinct banding pattern seen in P. filinaris. It has a similar body shape but a different coloration.
Giant Kuhli Loach
Pangio myersi
Pangio myersi is significantly larger (up to 10 cm) and has a different banding pattern, often with fewer, broader, and sometimes interconnected bands. Its overall body proportion can also differ.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cypriniformes
- Family
- Cobitidae
- Genus
- Pangio
- Species
- filinaris
Explore Striped Dwarf Earthworm Eel
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