fish · Gyrinocheilidae

Chinese algae eater

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri

Wild range: Mae Klong, Chao Phraya, Middle/Lower Mekong and Dong Nai basins; northern Malay Peninsula (Asia)

At a glance: Chinese algae eater care

Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.

What temperature is listed for Chinese algae eater?

The compiled profile lists 22.0–26.0 °C for Chinese algae eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.

What tank size is listed for Chinese algae eater?

The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 75.0 US gallons (284.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.

What pH is listed for Chinese algae eater?

The compiled profile lists a pH of 6.0–8.0. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.

Natural habitat

Flowing streams and tributaries with boulder/pebble/gravel/sand substrates and submerged wood; browses biofilm/algae on hard surfaces in well-oxygenated current. Potamodromous; may enter flooded fields seasonally. Mouth used as sucker while spiracles allow breathing.

Where they are found

Valid name Gyrinocheilus aymonieri (Tirant, 1883) per ITIS (TSN 163888) and Catalog of Fishes; family Gyrinocheilidae (not a loach). Native to mainland SE Asia river basins—despite trade names 'Chinese' or 'Indian' algae eater, it does not occur naturally in China or India (Seriously Fish). TRADE CONFUSION: often confused with true Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus langei / Crossocheilus spp.), which stays smaller, remains more peaceful, and is a better long-term algae grazer. Also confused with juvenile otocinclus. Count dorsal soft rays and look for Gyrinocheilus spiracle behind the gill cover. Ornamental strains include albino, golden, piebald and short-bodied forms; some goldens are artificially dyed (avoid).

Aquarium care

Plan a large, well-oxygenated river-style aquarium from day one: Seriously Fish cites ~80 US gallons (base ~150×45 cm / ~304 L) as a practical minimum for an adult; FishLore lists ≥55 gal. This catalog uses 75 US gallons as a conservative floor for a single adult. Provide rocks, driftwood, strong filtration and moderate–strong flow with high dissolved oxygen; bright light promotes biofilm for grazing. Not a nano or 'algae eater for a 10-gal' species. Lid tightly—known jumpers. Do not buy as a long-term algae-control tool: juveniles graze well, but adults often switch to meatier foods and neglect algae. Prefer true Siamese algae eaters (Crossocheilus), otocinclus, or Amano shrimp for planted-tank cleanup.

Feeding

Primarily an aufwuchs grazer (algae, periphyton, small invertebrates). In aquaria offer sinking algae wafers, blanched zucchini/cucumber/spinach, quality flakes/granules, and regular live/frozen foods (bloodworm, Daphnia, Artemia). Do not rely on tank algae alone—underfed adults are more likely to rasp other fishes' slime coats.

Compatibility

Largely unsuitable for typical community tanks despite being sold as beginner algae eaters (Seriously Fish, FishLore, Aquariadise). Juveniles may be quiet; adults become territorial and may attach to the flanks of larger flat-bodied fish (angels, discus, etc.) to rasp mucus. Avoid similar-looking cyprinids (Crossocheilus, Epalzeorhynchos, Garra) and most bottom-dwellers. If kept with others, choose robust mid/upper-level cyprinids or characids in a very large tank and add the CAE last. Groups of 6+ can dilute aggression but need an even larger setup. Prefer species-only or carefully planned large aquaria.

Breeding

Not routinely bred in home aquaria; commercial farms use hormones (Seriously Fish). Sexually mature females thicker-bodied; spawning males develop snout tubercles. Unlikely for hobbyists.

Sources

Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.