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Chinese Algae Eater
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
📍 Southeast Asia
The Chinese Algae Eater is a popular freshwater fish known for its algae-eating abilities, making it a favorite for planted and algae-prone tanks. However, as they mature, they can become territorial and aggressive toward other fish, particularly peaceful species and their own kind. They are best suited for experienced aquarists who understand their behavioral changes with age.
Care Guide
Diet
Chinese Algae Eaters are primarily herbivorous and will consume algae from surfaces, plants, and driftwood. Supplement their diet with algae wafers, blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach, and high-quality herbivore pellets. Feed once daily, providing only what they can consume in 2-3 hours. Avoid overfeeding as they are prone to obesity.
Behavior
Young Chinese Algae Eaters are peaceful and actively graze on algae throughout the day and night. However, they become increasingly territorial and aggressive as they mature, often attacking other bottom-dwellers and peaceful fish. They are primarily nocturnal and prefer hiding spots with caves, driftwood, and dense vegetation. They may also develop a habit of sucking on other fish's slime coats.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is extremely rare and difficult. They require specific water conditions and large tank space to spawn. Sexual maturity is difficult to determine, and fry are rarely produced in home aquariums. Most specimens available in the hobby are wild-caught or commercially bred in Asia.
Tank Mates
Both are bottom-dwellers and may compete for food and territory as the Algae Eater matures
Peaceful but may be harassed by aggressive adult Algae Eaters
Similar ecological niche; adult Algae Eaters may become aggressive toward them
Fast-moving and robust enough to avoid harassment from most Algae Eaters
Large, active fish that can hold their own against semi-aggressive behavior
Larger and more assertive, less likely to be bullied by Algae Eaters
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against surfaces
Increase water temperature to 28-30 °C (82-86 °F) for 7-10 days, use ich medication (malachite green or formalin), perform daily water changes, ensure good aeration
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication (tetracycline or minocycline), maintain optimal water parameters
Bacterial Infections
Open sores, ulcers on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, fin damage
Perform large water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotics (kanamycin or gentamicin), isolate affected fish if possible, maintain pristine water conditions
Parasitic Infections
Excessive scratching, weight loss, visible parasites on body, clamped fins, lethargy
Use antiparasitic medications (praziquantel or metronidazole), perform frequent water changes, quarantine affected fish, treat the entire tank if necessary
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and algae growth in the tank
- lifespan
- 10-15 years
- max size
- 28 cm (11 in)
- tank size
- 55 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-10 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)