Chinese algae eater

Care at a glance

Overview

Here is the problem: they are sold as cute algae eaters but grow large and turn territorial and aggressive with age, often harassing other bottom fish. Plan for a tank of at least 175 liters and keep just one. They eat algae and biofilm when young but need more protein as they grow, so feed sinking pellets, wafers, and the occasional frozen food. Watch older ones closely, since some develop a habit of rasping the slime coat off flat-bodied tankmates.

In the wild

Chinese algae eaters live in fast-flowing rivers and streams across Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, clinging to rocks and submerged wood. That current and hard surface matter in the tank, so give them good flow, plenty of oxygen, and smooth stones or driftwood to rasp on. They want clean, well-filtered water at around 22 to 26 C.

Good to know

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri is the only widely kept member of the family Gyrinocheilidae. Despite the small fish sold in stores, this species reaches about 28 cm as an adult and can live well over ten years. It has no true stomach and uses a modified mouth that works as a sucker, letting it hold position in current while it breathes through openings in the gill covers.

Did you know

A gold or yellow form is common in the trade, but it is a captive color variant, not a separate species. The wild fish is a muted brownish color with a dark stripe down the side.

Related species

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