TankBud

Spotted algae eater

Gyrinocheilus pennocki

Also known as Pennock's algae eater, Laos algae eater, Spotted sucking loach

FreshwaterFish

Spotted algae eater (Gyrinocheilus pennocki)

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
pH
6.0–8.0
Adult size
11 in
28 cm
Minimum tank
53 gal
200 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Gyrinocheilidae
Origin
Native to the Mekong basin across Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, in flowing rivers and streams where it clings to rock and wood.

Overview

The spotted algae eater is a large, sucker-mouthed fish for the bottom of a spacious tank. It is a step up from the easiest fish to keep.

Did you know

Like the Chinese algae eater, the spotted algae eater becomes more territorial and pushy as it grows. Its usefulness against algae fades as it turns into a large, bossy adult.

Caring for the spotted algae eater

A spotted algae eater grows large and needs at least 53 gal (200 L). Give it strong current, good oxygen and plenty of hard surfaces. Keep the water at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C), with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0.

Young fish rasp algae and biofilm from surfaces. Adults take sinking pellets, vegetable foods and some frozen fare.

The spotted algae eater is aggressive, and adults graze on the flanks of slow, flat-sided fish. The habit makes them poor community mates. Keep one per tank, with fast, sturdy tank mates only, never discus, angelfish or other slow-moving species.

Good to know

The spotted algae eater is the less common cousin of the Chinese algae eater. Its family, Gyrinocheilidae, is unusual in having no true stomach. A modified gill opening lets it breathe while its mouth is clamped to a rock. It can hold onto surfaces in fast water and keep grazing without releasing its grip.

In the wild

The spotted algae eater is native to the Mekong basin across Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It lives in flowing rivers and streams, where it clings to rock and wood. Wild adults are a food fish in parts of Cambodia.

Common questions

What size tank does a spotted algae eater need?

A spotted algae eater needs at least 53 gal (200 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a spotted algae eater need?

A spotted algae eater is comfortable at 72–82°F (22–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–8.0.

What does a spotted algae eater eat?

A spotted algae eater rasps algae and biofilm from surfaces when young. Adults take sinking pellets, vegetable foods and some frozen fare.

How big does a spotted algae eater get?

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

Related species