Chinese Algae Eater Golden Sucking Loach

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, commonly known as the Chinese Algae Eater, Golden Sucking Loach, Honey Sucker or Siamese algae eater, is a freshwater fish native to large parts of Southeast Asia. It is most often seen in large rivers, occasionally entering flooded fields. The fish spends most of its time on flat surfaces, such as rocks, in flowing water, using its "sucker" mouth to attach itself to rocks in stronger flows.

The Golden Sucking Loach displays colours from olive shades to honey gold, and may develop a black lateral stripe. The belly is often a pale colour. They will thrive in small groups while young, but can be kept solitary without issue.

G. aymonieri fish are often bought as algae eaters because they will readily eat algae when young, but with age, their preference changes towards meatier foods such as frozen crustaceans and bloodworm. This change is also reflected in behaviour, which can become semi-aggressive with age, especially so towards others of their own kind and fish with similar colours. They also feed off of the body slime on other fish, potentially making them more prone to infection and stress. This can be avoided by keeping them in a larger tank with plenty of food sources.

Are Chinese Sucking Loach aggressive?
When young, Chinese Sucking Loach display a peaceful temperament, but may become slightly aggressive and territorial as they age particularly towards similar algae eaters. This listing is for young Chinese Sucking Loach, supplied at a size of around 2" (5cm).

Do Chinese Algae Eaters eat lots of algae?
Yes, Chinese Algae Eaters will eat plenty of algae, especially while young and small. As they grow older, they may become more partial to a meatier diet.

How big do Golden Algae Eaters get?
Golden Algae Eaters can grow to a maximum of 12" inches (30cms). A larger aquarium of around 150 litres is recommended for the Gold Algae Eater if you want to grow them fully, with plenty of plants, rocks, and driftwood for hiding. Our Golden Algae Eaters are supplied young, at a size of around 2" (5cm).

Features
Approx. supplied size: 2" / 5cm
Maximum size: 12" / 30cm
Origin: India, Southeast Asia
Family: Doradidae
Temperament: Generally peaceful
Lighting requirement: low
Ideal number kept together: 1+

Water conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 25 °C
Ideal pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 8-10KH
Water flow: low, moderate or fast
Temperature: 18–28 °C

Ease of care
Easy. Can grow moderately large but at a fairly slow rate. Will tolerate both slow and fast flowing water - if housing in fast flow, ensure they have plenty of rocks or driftwood to cling to.

Feeding
Feed a mixture of algae wafer and greens, like courgette and spinach leaves. As they grow, frozen shrimp and bloodworm to supplement.

Breeding
The species does not breed readily in home aquaria, although fry are occasionally reported as being found in overgrown aquaria. At this time, no definitive spawning triggers are known. Sexing is difficult, although mature males may develop breeding tubercles on their noses, while females become plumper. Golden Sucking Loach may or may not develop a black body stripe as they mature.

Life Span
They can live 5-10 years in perfect conditions.

For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.

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