Chinese Algae Eater
The Chinese algae eater is an adequate algae eater until this fish reaches a size of about three inches, when it becomes a scavenger. Also, Chinese algae eaters become aggressive, so these fish will work well as scavengers in a larger fish tank but may not be suitable for small fish tanks.
Most Chinese algae eaters come from streams in Thailand, not China.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Gyrinocheilus aymonieri |
|---|---|
| Origin | Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful when young; territorial and aggressive as adults |
| Adult Size | Up to 3 inches |
FAQ
What is the origin of the Chinese algae eater?
The Chinese algae eater originates from streams in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is not native to China.
Is this fish suitable for a small fish tank?
No, Chinese algae eaters become aggressive as adults and may not be suitable for small fish tanks. They work better in larger tanks where they can act as scavengers.
What does this fish eat?
Young Chinese algae eaters primarily consume algae. As they grow to about three inches, they shift to scavenging and eat leftover food and organic debris.
Kevin Quinn –
I bought this fish for algae control in my 20-gallon tank. It was active and ate algae well at first. After a few months, it started getting territorial and chased smaller fish. I now keep it in a larger tank with bigger fish.
Evan McGrath –
Great for beginners who want a low-maintenance algae eater. It stayed peaceful in my tank for the first six months. After growing, it became more active and started cleaning up uneaten food.
Ruth Bower –
It was okay at first, but after a few months it started acting aggressive. I had to move it to a bigger tank. Not ideal for small setups.
Dylan Carr –
The fish arrived healthy and was active right away. It cleaned the glass and substrate well. I noticed it became more active after growing to about 2.5 inches.