Algae eater / Sucking loach

Common name(s) Algae eater, Sucking loach, Chinese algae eater, Indian algae eater Picture of Algae eater / Sucking loach
Picture of Golden Algae eaters / Sucking loaches
Golden colour form
Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Gyrinocheilus aymonieri

Synonyms

Size Up to 10" (25cm), but often smaller.

Origin India and Thailand

Tank setup Larger community tank with bogwood and rocks for hiding places.

Compatibility May become aggressive, particularly when older.

Temperature 23-28^oC (73-82^oF)

Water chemistry Fairly soft, slightly acidic (pH 6-7) ideally, but not critical as a wide range is tolerated.

Feeding Omnivorous - will eat most aquarium foods, good algae eater when young.

Sexing Unknown

Breeding No detailed reports, have been bred commercially.

Comments This fish is often purchased as an algae eater for smaller community tanks, for which it is not really suitable. Firstly, it grows larger than many realise, and secondly, it has a tendency to become aggressive when older. In the limited confines of a small tank, it may terrorise other aquarium inhabitants. In addition, they often become less inclined to eat algae as they grow, particularly if other food sources are available.

Back to Home page

This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Algae eater, Sucking loach, Chinese algae eater, Indian algae eater	Golden colour form Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics © Sean Evans
Scientific name	Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Synonyms
Size	Up to 10" (25cm), but often smaller.
Origin	India and Thailand
Tank setup	Larger community tank with bogwood and rocks for hiding places.
Compatibility	May become aggressive, particularly when older.
Temperature	23-28^oC (73-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Fairly soft, slightly acidic (pH 6-7) ideally, but not critical as a wide range is tolerated.
Feeding	Omnivorous - will eat most aquarium foods, good algae eater when young.
Sexing	Unknown
Breeding	No detailed reports, have been bred commercially.
Comments	This fish is often purchased as an algae eater for smaller community tanks, for which it is not really suitable. Firstly, it grows larger than many realise, and secondly, it has a tendency to become aggressive when older. In the limited confines of a small tank, it may terrorise other aquarium inhabitants. In addition, they often become less inclined to eat algae as they grow, particularly if other food sources are available.