What it a Chinese Algae Eater?
The Chinese Algae Eater, Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, is a medium/large Gyrinocheillidae family omnivore that is actually native to India and Thailand. A long bodied brown-green fish with decorative side markings and a strong sucker-mouth, they may also be observed in an albino/gold coloration in pet stores. Solitary and territorial, they may grow to length of 11 inches (though seldom exceed 6 in aquariums), and may live for over 10 years with proper husbandry. They are not, contrary to popular belief, a true algae eater, and thus should not be purchased as such. A Fish by Any Other Name… Chinese algae eaters go by a variety of names, often simply referred to as an “Algae Eater” in pet stores. Other common names include Indian Algae Eater, Sucking Loach, Gold Sucking Loach, or Golden Algae Eater. None are particularly accurate, as the species is in fact a bottom-feeding scavenger with no real preference for algae upon reaching adulthood. Peaceful Community Fish? Many pet stores list the
