Do Kuhli Loaches eat snails?

[Dar]

I have two Kuhlis that have been around for over 4 years with one (normal banded) at 4.5" and the other (no bands just light brown) at 3". Two months ago I bought an amazon sword and got a few "hitch hikers" (pond snails)...no worries though, they are great for my Clown tank. The reason for the question of whether Kuhlis eat snails is that I have been "harvesting" the snails (who kindly reproduce quickly), and noticed that my Kuhli tank is short on snails these past few days. Either the pond snails are slowing down, I'm harvesting too much or the Kuhlis ate them. By the way the only other fish is a Betta who hasn't shown any interest in the snails.

Tank size: 10 Gal. Set up 5 years. 7.0 PH Temp 79. Filter Bio wheel. Fish: the two Kuhlis, Betta, and pond snails (dwindling), one Rams Horn snail (also must have hitch hiked).

Just curious.

Thanks

[zmo63]

I've noticed very few snails in my kuhli tank as opposed to other tanks which are full of them. A few weeks ago, I put them into a new bigger tank that had a booming snail population, and it seems to be much more under control now.

I've never seen them actually go after snails, like the other loaches do, so my guess is that they're eating the eggs. Just a guess though.

[Diana]

I also have seen the population of snails go down when Kuhlies are added to the tank. I also think their mouth is too small to handle the adult snails, but are likely eating the eggs or newborn snails.

[Dar]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I've spotted a clump of eggs and am guessing there will be a different diet tonight (other than the pellets)

The clowns will have to wait for the population to jump up before they get the "treats".