Chinese algae-eater
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Parameter dashboard
22-26 °C
6-8
28 cm
15 years
Care guide
The Chinese algae-eater grows to 28 cm standard length and originates from rivers in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam — the common name is a misnomer as it does not occur in China. It is often sold as a juvenile 'Siamese algae eater' but that name belongs to the unrelated Crossocheilus oblongus, and the two should not be confused. It needs a tank with a base of at least 150 by 45 cm (about 304 L) with strong flow and high oxygenation. The practical temperature range for general care is 22–26 °C, though the species can tolerate 16–32 °C for short periods. pH 6.0–8.0 suits it. While it consumes algae when young, it becomes increasingly territorial and may attach to large, slow-moving tankmates to feed on their body mucus. It is largely unsuitable for a general community aquarium. A single specimen can be kept; grouping six or more is a specialist option only in a very large tank with ample cover, not a mandatory stocking rule. Diet should include algae wafers, fresh vegetables, and frozen foods. At 15+ years this is a long-term commitment.
Source
Further reading on identification and aquarium care.
Tankmate compatibility (sample)
Pairwise screening against other species in the database (prioritizing the same family when data is available).
Review first (11)
Caution or avoid from automated rules — confirm before mixing.
| Species | Assessment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue streak hap Labidochromis caeruleus Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · Species with non-overlapping pH ranges may not thrive together Open pair in Compare → |
| Cobalt Blue Goby Stiphodon semoni Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · one is boisterous and the other a much smaller peaceful fish sharing the same floor, where it can be intimidated and outcompeted at feeding time Open pair in Compare → |
| Coolie loach Pangio semicincta Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · one is boisterous and the other a much smaller peaceful fish sharing the same floor, where it can be intimidated and outcompeted at feeding time Open pair in Compare → |
| Dwarf rasbora Boraras maculatus Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Green swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Head-and-taillight tetra Hemigrammus ocellifer Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Melon Barb Haludaria fasciata Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Palespotted corydoras Hoplisoma gossei Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · one is boisterous and the other a much smaller peaceful fish sharing the same floor, where it can be intimidated and outcompeted at feeding time Open pair in Compare → |
| Crescent betta Betta imbellis Avoid | Avoid | Fin nippers should not be kept with long-finned species · Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna Avoid | Avoid | Fin nippers should not be kept with long-finned species · Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Three spot gourami Trichogaster trichopterus Avoid | Avoid | Fin nippers should not be kept with long-finned species Open pair in Compare → |
1 species with compatible assessment in this sampleCollapse to hide the list; use “Open pair in Compare” for the full matrix.
| Species | Assessment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Grande cichlid Herichthys cyanoguttatus Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
Same rule engine as Compare. Not a substitute for observation, tank size, or acclimation.
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