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