Chinese Algae Eater

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri

Minimum Tank Size

55+ gal

Temperature

72–82°F

PH

6.0–8.0

Adult Size

8–11 in

Temperament 

Territorial and increasingly aggressive with age

Care Difficulty

Intermediate

Diet & Feeding

Offer a high-quality species-appropriate staple plus supplemental foods suited to the fish's natural feeding strategy. Avoid overfeeding and remove uneaten food.

Care Instructions

Maintain stable 72–82°F water and appropriate chemistry. Size the aquarium for adult fish, territorial behavior, swimming room, and biological load.

Flow & Filtration

Use mature biological filtration with good oxygenation and species-appropriate flow. Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero; manage nitrate with regular maintenance.

Planted Tank Suitability

Plant compatibility depends on digging, grazing, hardness requirements, and aggression. Use hardy attached plants or protected planting where appropriate.

Tank Mate Compatibility

Good Tank Mates
  • Robust Barbs
  • Fast Rainbowfish

Use Caution 
  • Large Cichlids

Avoid
  • Discus
  • Angelfish
  • Slow Flat-bodied Fish

Compatibility Notes

Juveniles are sold as algae eaters, but adults can become territorial and may rasp slime coats of slow fish.

Breeding Notes

Breeding strategy is species-specific. Provide suitable spawning sites and a dedicated fry plan when breeding is intended.