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Freshwater   Fishes

Chinese algae eater
(Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)

Chinese algae eater

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

  • None (for the moment!)

Names

Scientific name
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Gyrinocheilus kaznakovi
Gyrinocheilus monchadskii

Common name
Chinese algae eater
Siamese algae eater
Honey sucker
Sucking loach

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, China, Cambodia
Biotope: Asian

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

The female is stockier. Bridal buttons on the male’s muzzle during spawning

Group

Group

Gyrinocheilidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

250 L / 55 imp gal / 66 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 25 to 28°C or 77 to 82°F
pH: 6 to 7.5
Hardness: 4 to 15°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Average

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

12 to 20 cm (4.7 to 7.9")

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

15 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Depth

Individuals

sociability of the species

1 or 5/6

Food

How to feed the Chinese algae eater?

Food

How to feed the Chinese algae eater?

Omnivorous: all forms of food are accepted with plant supplements (salad, spinach, banana...)

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Chinese algae eater have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Chinese algae eater have?

It is a territorial and aggressive fish. Initially, little Sucking Loach spends its time hiding, but its territorial temperament is affirmed when it grows. In a group of 5 or 6, intraspecific aggression will decrease significantly and fish will develop a distinct hierarchy. This requires a nice volume (250 L / 55 imp gal / 66 US gal). In a group that is too small, the weakest individuals will be systematically targeted. It is also very keen.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Chinese algae eater?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Chinese algae eater?

A specific aquarium is preferable (with its congeners in large volumes).

If you want to keep it in a community aquarium, you will have to choose your roommates carefully. Indeed, the Sucking Loach becomes very aggressive in aging and especially towards the fish which resembles him, like Crossocheilus, Epalzeorhynchos or Garra.

It will be necessary to avoid associating it with calm and timid fish, as well as large placid fish on which it will sometimes try to stick. In the same way, avoid cohabitation with groundfish such as Corydoras or small Cichlids. Finally, it should be noted that it is likely to eat small fish.

You can combine it with strong, lively species such as sumatra beards or Etroplus.

Breeding

How to breed the Chinese algae eater?

Breeding

How to breed the Chinese algae eater?

No data to date (carried out in breeding with the help of hormones).

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Chinese algae eater?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Chinese algae eater?

The Chinese algae eater likes clear waters and moderate currents: choose a good filtration. It will allow good oxygenation of the water and will also prevent the accumulation of organic waste.

In general, the aquarium of this fish must be very planted because it likes to hide.

Planning idea: to reproduce a flowing river. For this, add to your decoration gravel, rocks worn by water (rather round, like pebbles) of different sizes and some big rocks. You can complete with some branches and driftwood roots. Finally, attach plants such as Bolbitis, Anubias or Microsorum to your decoration.

Note that powerful lighting will encourage the growth of algae, which the Sucking Loach will feast!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Very good eater of seaweed, it has a sucker which allows him to scrape windows, rocks, roots...

There are albino, golden, piebald and short-body varieties.

Yours photos!

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