TankBud

Chinese algae eater

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri

FreshwaterFish

Chinese algae eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)
Pseudogastromyzon · Public domain

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–79°F
22–26°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Adult size
11 in
28 cm
Minimum tank
46 gal
175 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Common
Family
Gyrinocheilidae
Origin
Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam

Overview

The Chinese algae eater is a bottom fish that is sold small and cute but grows large. It suits a keeper with some experience.

Did you know

The gold or yellow Chinese algae eater common in the trade is a captive color variant, not a separate species. The wild fish is a muted brownish color with a dark stripe down the side.

Caring for the Chinese algae eater

Give a Chinese algae eater at least 46 gal (175 L), with good flow and plenty of oxygen. Add smooth stones or driftwood for it to rasp on. Keep the water clean and well filtered, at 72 to 79°F (22 to 26°C) and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.

Young fish eat algae and biofilm, but they need more protein as they grow. Feed sinking pellets, wafers and the occasional frozen food.

The Chinese algae eater is mostly peaceful, but it turns territorial with age and often harasses other bottom fish. Watch older ones closely, since some develop a habit of rasping the slime coat off flat-bodied tank mates. It is fine alone or in a group, but add other fish with caution.

Good to know

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri is the only widely kept member of the family Gyrinocheilidae, and it can live well over ten years. It has no true stomach, and its modified mouth works as a sucker. The sucker lets it hold position in current while it breathes through openings in the gill covers.

In the wild

Chinese algae eaters live in fast-flowing rivers and streams across Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. They cling to rocks and submerged wood.

Common questions

What size tank does a Chinese algae eater need?

A Chinese algae eater needs at least 46 gal (175 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Chinese algae eater need?

A Chinese algae eater is comfortable at 72–79°F (22–26°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.

What does a Chinese algae eater eat?

A Chinese algae eater eats algae and biofilm when young, but it needs more protein as it grows. Feed it sinking pellets, wafers and the occasional frozen food.

How big does a Chinese algae eater get?

An adult Chinese algae eater reaches about 11 in (28 cm).

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