Chinese algae-eater
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Gyrinocheilidae
Moderate
Parameter dashboard
Temperature
22-26 °C
pH
6-8
Size
28 cm
Lifespan
15 years
Min tank304 L
Price$$$
DietOmnivore
TemperamentAggressive
OriginAsia
Shrimp-safeNo
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 will attach to large, slow-moving tankmates to feed on their body mucus. Keep in groups of 6 or more to disperse aggression, with plenty of hiding spots. Diet should include algae wafers, fresh vegetables, and frozen foods. At 15+ years this is a long-term commitment.
Source
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Tankmate compatibility (sample)
Pairwise screening against other species in the database (prioritizing the same family when data is available).
Review first (10)
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 Open pair in Compare → |
| Coolie loach Pangio semicincta Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Dwarf rasbora Boraras maculatus 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 Corydoras gossei Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates 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 → |
2 species with compatible assessment in this sampleCollapse to hide the list; use “Open pair in Compare” for the full matrix.
| Species | Assessment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
| 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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