Chinese Algae Eater: Cute Now, A Problem Later

In this guide

Overview

The Chinese algae eater, Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, is a suckermouth fish sold widely as a small, active algae eater, but its behaviour changes significantly as it matures. It can grow to around twenty five to twenty eight centimetres, considerably larger than most buyers expect, and becomes progressively more territorial and aggressive with age.

Its most notorious adult behaviour is attaching its suckermouth to the flanks of slower, flat-bodied fish such as angelfish or discus and rasping at their protective slime coat, a habit that can genuinely injure tankmates and is rarely mentioned when the fish is sold small and inoffensive-looking.

Tank and water requirements

Given its eventual size and temperament, a single Chinese algae eater needs a tank of at least a hundred litres as an adult, with strong water flow reflecting its natural fast-stream habitat. It is hardy and tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, including typical Indian tap water.

Keeping only one per tank is generally advised, since adults are aggressive towards their own kind as well as other fish.

Diet and a temperament warning

As a juvenile it eats algae enthusiastically, but as it matures it eats considerably less algae and becomes a more general omnivore, needing sinking pellets and occasional protein alongside whatever algae remains available.

Because of the slime-rasping and territorial behaviour that reliably develops with age, this is a poor long-term choice for a peaceful community tank, however useful and harmless it seems as a small juvenile in the shop tank.

Buying tips

• Cheap as a juvenile, often twenty five to sixty rupees, for reasons similar to the common pleco's mismatched pricing
• Consider a bristlenose pleco or true Siamese algae eater instead for a community tank, given the temperament problems this species reliably develops
• If already keeping an adult showing aggression, separating it into a species-only tank is usually the most workable solution

Article content © Ravi Teja. All rights reserved.