How long do Kuhlis live?

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Hi Everyone,

I have a trio of Kuhlis that I've had for 5 years. I'm pretty sure these guys should have died several times over. I was just wondering how long they live because one of them is looking very skinny but everyone else in the tank is nice and healthy. I was just wondering if it could be old age.

Thanks
 

OrionGirl

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Aug 14, 2001
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It could be. I think I had mine for about 6-7 years, but it was a breeding colony, so I'm not sure how many were original.
 

DLV082

Debbie
Aug 23, 2007
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I have read a post on another fish site claiming to have a Khuli loach that is 21 years of age. Yet other sites saying that 10 years is the average.
 

spazbees

Don't Forget Your Towel!
Sep 14, 2009
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I've had my pack of 7 for over 8 years now, and I'm hoping they'll live longer than the 10 years I've heard is typical. They are so much fun to watch!
 

Aquaticfrog32

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Mar 17, 2016
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From what I've heard, max life span is 10 years, which is pretty long 'cause most fish only live like 3 years( depends how they die )
 

Octavarium

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Mar 2, 2005
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I think on the lower end of the temperature spectrum, assuming you kept them their most of their life...they may be able to regularly live over 7 years with good care, decent amount of anecdotal evidence out there supporting this.
 

WailuaBoy

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Aug 10, 2015
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Many loaches will live over 20yrs
 

fishorama

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Jun 28, 2006
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Old thread...Before I moved I had 6 striped kuhlis for ~7 or 8 years. I heard they died in a major power outage on the east coast the next year after I moved, sniff. Very cool fish friends!

10 years should not be considered unusual for many smaller loaches, even more for the bigger ones...it mostly depends on husbandry...lots of water changes & good foods can make a huge difference
 

xenacanth9

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Oct 5, 2021
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I had that lived 7 years or so. VERY late reply but yeah
 
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