Pangio kuhlii is a small bottom dweller and generally hides among detritus, rocks and algae. As with many bottom dwellers, the kuhli loach forages among the detritus on the floor, using its barbels as sensory organs (Mohsin and Ambak, 1983). Much of its behaviour is also known from aquarium reports where these fish are more frequently observed. They appear to be gregarious, congregating in groups on the stream bottom. They are also thought to be nocturnal, although alteration of the feeding cycle can persuade them to be diurnal.

Its breeding behaviour is not well known but it is postulated in related species that the extended ray of the pectoral fin may play some role in reproduction (Bohlen, 2001).