Description

🐟 Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri

• Family: Gyrinocheilidae

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam)

• Size: Up to 10 – 11 inches (25 – 28 cm)

• Lifespan: 5 – 10 years

• Tank Zone: Bottom to Mid dwellers

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 150 – 300 ppm

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)

• Hardness: 5 – 12 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Recognized by their sucker-like mouth that clings to glass and rocks.

• Excellent algae eaters when young, but consume less algae as they age.

• Can grow large and become semi-aggressive in adulthood.

• Active swimmers that need open space.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous with algae preference when young.

• Diet: Algae wafers, spirulina, blanched zucchini, cucumber, peas, sinking pellets, bloodworms.

• Feeding: Once or twice daily; supplement with veggies and protein foods.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons (adults need big space).

• Filtration: Strong filter; requires well-oxygenated water.

• Decor: Rocks, driftwood, hiding caves, and open swimming space.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Can be kept alone; best singly in community tanks.

• Tank Mates: Larger Tetras, Barbs, Gouramis, Danios, Loaches.

• Avoid: Slow, long-finned fish (Angelfish, Bettas) and small peaceful fish (Guppies, Shrimp) – CAE may harass them as it matures.

✅ Do’s

• Keep in a large, well-aerated tank.

• Provide both algae and balanced diet.

• Add rocks and driftwood for grazing.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t rely only on algae – supplement food.

• Don’t keep multiple adults in small tanks (territorial fights).

• Don’t house with delicate or slow-moving fish.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Great algae eater when young but less effective with age.

• Can live long and grow large, so plan for tank upgrades.

• Best suited for medium to large community tanks with semi-active fish