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Freshwater fishGold Algae Eater
Gold Algae Eater
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The gold algae eater is a color morph of the Chinese algae eater and is bred in Thailand for the aquarium market. This fish will not grow quite as large as the standard Chinese algae eater, and gold algae eaters are less aggressive and better algae eaters.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Gyrinocheilus aymonieri (gold variety) |
| Origin | Aquarium-bred (Thailand) |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful when young; territorial and aggressive as adults |
| Adult Size | Up to 8–10" |
| 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. 1–2" |
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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