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Freshwater fishChinese Algae Eater
Chinese Algae Eater
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The Chinese algae eater is an adequate algae eater until this fish reaches a size of about three inches, when it becomes a scavenger. Also, Chinese algae eaters become aggressive, so these fish will work well as scavengers in a larger fish tank but may not be suitable for small fish tanks.
Most Chinese algae eaters come from streams in Thailand, not China.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Gyrinocheilus aymonieri |
| Origin | Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful when young; territorial and aggressive as adults |
| Adult Size | Up to 10–11" |
| Lifespan | 10+ years |
| Diet | Omnivore (grazes on algae) |
| Water Temperature | 74–80°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Group Size | Single (adults fight with each other) |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 1" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Give them driftwood, rocks, caves and good current. Keep a lid on the tank.
Feeding: Young fish graze on algae, but adults eat less algae and more prepared food. Feed algae wafers and sinking pellets daily. Well-fed adults are less likely to bother other fish.
Tankmates: Chinese algae eaters do best with fast, robust fish like larger barbs, danios and semi-aggressive cichlids. Avoid slow, flat-sided fish like angelfish, discus and goldfish, which adults may latch onto and harm.
Good to know: Chinese algae eaters are not from China; most come from Thailand and nearby countries. Their algae-eating slows as they grow.
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