Chinese Algae Eater - Medium


Color: Normal
Price:
Sale priceR 55.00
Stock:
In stock (20 units), ready to be shipped

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.

You may also like

Recently viewed

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)