Chinese Algae Eater
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Also sold as Gold algae eater
Synonyms Sucking loach
Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) is an aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 28 cm (11 in) and swims in open water. It wants 72–79°F (22–26°C) and pH 6–8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 304 L (80 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 28 cm (11 in) |
| Minimum tank | 304 L (80 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 72–79°F (22–26°C) |
| pH | 6–8 |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Lifespan | 7–10 years |
Before it goes in
- Chinese Algae Eater needs at least 304 L (80 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 90 Gallon.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Iridescent Shark: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 72–79°F (22–26°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- It is aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It grazes algae hard, which is most of the reason people buy it.
- One of them takes up roughly 24% of what a 90 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 304 L (80 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 90 Gallon.
What water does it want?
72–79°F (22–26°C), pH 6–8.
How long does it live?
7–10 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Chinese Algae Eater | Siamese Algae Eater | Dojo Loach | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 28 cm | 15 cm | 28 cm |
| Min tank | 304 L | 190 L | 243 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 72–79°F (22–26°C) | 68–81°F (20–27°C) | 64–74°F (17.8–23.3°C) |
More livestock
Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026
- Temperament, Temperatureseriouslyfish.com
- Temperamentaquariumcoop.com
- pHfishbase.se
- fishlaboratory.com