Chinese Algae Eater - Medium

All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.

When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.

ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.

Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)

Description:

• Appearance:

  • Body: Elongated and cylindrical, with a streamlined shape adapted for efficient swimming.
  • Color: Typically olive green to brown with lighter undersides. They have a distinctive sucker-like mouth that is adapted for scraping algae.
  • Size: Grows to about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in length, though larger specimens can be found.

• Behavior:

  • Activity: Generally active and can be quite energetic, especially during feeding times. They are bottom-dwellers and are known to be quite hardy.
  • Social Structure: Can become territorial, especially as they mature. They may display aggressive behavior towards other fish, particularly those with similar feeding habits or size.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum of 30 gallons (114 liters); larger tanks are recommended to provide adequate swimming space and reduce territorial disputes.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C).
  • pH: 6.5-7.5.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water. They are adaptable to a range of water hardness but prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
  • Filtration: Good filtration is important to maintain clean water. A filter with moderate flow is suitable; avoid strong currents that may stress the fish.

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Soft substrate like sand or fine gravel is ideal. They enjoy rooting around in the substrate and foraging for food.
  • Aquascaping: Include hiding spots and structures using rocks, driftwood, and plants. They appreciate a well-structured tank with plenty of cover and places to hide.
  • Lighting: Standard aquarium lighting is adequate. They do not have special lighting requirements but benefit from having shaded areas and dense plant growth.

• Diet:

  • Primary Food: Omnivorous; primarily algae eaters but will also consume a variety of foods. Feed a balanced diet including high-quality pellets, algae wafers, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
  • Supplemental Food: Offer occasional treats like blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, spinach) to ensure a varied diet.

• Behavioral Considerations:

  • Compatibility: Generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially in smaller tanks. Avoid keeping with other algae eaters or fish that might compete for resources. They can be kept with a variety of other fish as long as the tank is large enough and provides plenty of hiding spots.
  • Social Behavior: Can be territorial, especially as they mature. It is best to keep them in larger groups or provide ample space and hiding spots to reduce aggression.

• Tank Maintenance:

  • Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to maintain water quality and prevent the buildup of toxins.
  • Cleaning: Regularly clean the tank and remove any uneaten food or waste. Ensure the filtration system is functioning properly and provides adequate water circulation.

• Health Care:

  • Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like discoloration or damaged fins.
  • Treatment: Maintain optimal water conditions and consult an aquarium professional if any health issues arise. Address any signs of disease or stress promptly to ensure the health of your fish.