Since Chinese Algae Eaters tend to be omnivorous (more carnivore) as they mature, their diet should be supplemented with meatier food, such as:
- frozen crustaceans and fry,
- live and frozen foods like bloodworms, blackworms,
- vitamin-enriched brine shrimp,
- daphnia.
What do Chinese algae eaters eat?
Since Chinese Algae Eaters tend to be omnivorous (more carnivore) as they mature, their diet should be supplemented with meatier food, such as: daphnia.
What is the difference between Siamese algae eater and Chinese algae eater?
Chinese Algae Eater is mostly misidentified as the Siamese Algae Eater. They share some similarities; both are algae eaters and have similar body structure, however, the Siamese Algae Eater has varying body features.
What are the best tank mates for Chinese algae eaters?
Top dwelling fish make the best tank mates for Chinese algae eaters, and larger characins or minnows tend to work best. While it is usually recommended to keep these fish in a species only tank, their size makes that possible in only the very largest aquariums.
Do algae eaters eat algae?
While they do consume algae when they are young, they tend to eat less algae as they mature – as well as becoming large and territorial – making them a poor choice for most community fish tanks.
What do you feed a Chinese Algae Eater?
These fish will appreciate the addition of live or frozen foods as well, and they can be fed bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia and brine shrimp. Chinese algae eaters tend to only take their food from the bottom or midsection of their tank, so it's important to offer them sinking foods.
Do you have to feed Chinese algae eaters?
Food & Diet Recommendations The interesting thing about Chinese Algae Eaters is that their diets tend to change as they get older. When they are young, these fish have no problem feeding off algae. Many owners don't even feed them because they get ample nutrients from cleaning up the tank.
What can you feed algae eaters?
While algae eaters subsist mainly on algae and decaying plant matter, in order to be healthy, they require a vegetable supplement to their diet. In addition to offering algae eater food such as spirulina flakes or algae wafers, offer your algae eaters fresh, boiled, or blanched vegetables once in a while.
What do gold Chinese algae eaters eat?
In the wild, Chinese algae eaters feed on algae, which the fish scrape from rocks and plants using their sucker mouths. Although the Chinese algae eater's diet is composed mostly of plants, the fish also eats protein sources such as maggots.
How do I know if my algae eater is getting enough food?
After you provide food for your pleco, watch and see if your pleco gobbles it down. If your pleco immediately begins to munch on the food, they may be overly hungry and need to be fed more often. If your pleco ignores the food, they may need to be fed less often.
What do algae eaters eat when there is no algae?
Algae eaters move along the sides and bottom of the aquarium scraping off algae with their sucker mouths. They can also feed on commercial pelleted food. Choose spirulina pellets or algae discs of the appropriate size.
When should I feed my algae eater?
Feeding. A well-balanced Chinese algae eater diet consists of: Algae and sinking algae wafers. Supplement with raw zucchini or cucumbers as a treat once or twice a week; raw vegetables should be anchored near the bottom of the aquarium.
How do you tell if a Chinese algae eater is male or female?
Male Vs. Female Algae Eaters An adult male Chinese algae-eater will develop tubercules or "horns" on the nose. An adult female will have a much thicker and rounder body than a male, whose body is thin and narrow.
Do algae eaters eat normal fish food?
What is this? Although they may not eat hair algae or beard algae, they do enjoy eating the more common types, such as the green variety and brown algae too, among others. In general, these fish make for great tank cleaners, as they are bottom feeders that will also eat uneaten fish food and all sorts of detritus too.
Will Chinese algae eaters eat other fish?
They also shouldn't have flat bodies that the Chinese algae eater could latch onto. For these reasons, fellow tank mates like angelfish, goldfish, and other similar fish aren't recommended. Other than needing their own territory, these algae eaters are most known for, well, eating algae!
Do Chinese algae eaters eat snails?
Inverts such as dwarf shrimp and freshwater snail should not be introduced into a tank with Chinese Algae Eater as they are very likely to get attacked. This fish can suck the snails out of their shells. It is possible to keep them with shrimp or snails when they are young and small.
Do Chinese algae eaters eat shrimp?
The shrimp do a great job cleaning the substrate and the plants, but they just can't clean glass the way a sucker-mouth fish can. is a color morph of the Chinese Algae-eater, Gyrinocheilus aymonieri. They reach a length of up to 10 inch and they eat baby-shrimps.
How do you keep algae eaters alive?
Chinese algae eater careWater care: Maintaining great water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration is important to help keep your Chinese algae eater healthy. Daily: Check filter, water temperature and other equipment. ... Avoid overcrowded conditions; they are a major cause of stress and disease.
Are Chinese algae eaters Hardy?
Chinese algae eaters are hardworking and hardy, two of the best traits any fish can have! Beginners and experienced keepers alike benefit from their easy care and massive appetite. But despite these great benefits, there are also some serious drawbacks to adding this fish to your aquarium.
Do algae eaters keep tank clean?
Algae eaters (also known as a clean up crew) are an integral part of the aquarium hobby, due to their ability to manage and help keep your tank's ecosystem balanced. And an effective algae eater won't just keep algae under control.
Can a Chinese algae eater live in a pond?
The Chinese algae eater does well in a community of fish, both in ponds and aquariums. They are herbivores by nature and live along with both koi and goldfish in ponds. The Chinese algae eater is not a territorial fish.
What is a Chinese algae eater?
The Chinese algae eaters (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) are slim and long freshwater fish. They may also be called honey suckers and sucking loaches, both names which reference their mouth. They have a sucker mouth, like many other algae eaters such as the Siamese algae eater.
How many gallons of water do you need for a Chinese algae eater?
For the Chinese algae eater, you need a minimum of 50 gallons. When housed in a community aquarium, you’ll need to upgrade the tank size significantly. If you want to keep other bottom-dwellers, the gallon size will need to be at least doubled to prevent aggression issues.
How big do albino Chinese algae eaters grow?
These varieties are a vivid, solid gold in color. They can grow up to 5” and need quite a bit of space to themselves to spread out and search for food.
Why do Chinese algae eaters stay at the bottom of the bed?
During specific seasons, the waters may flood and become muddy. To avoid being pulled downstream, the Chinese algae eater makes sure to stay along the bottom of the bed. Here, there are many rocks and other obstacles to soften the water’s current.
Why are long tanks better for Chinese algae eaters?
They are also better because it is easier to establish strong water movement throughout all levels , which the Chinese algae eaters prefer.
Where do algae eaters live?
Natural Habitat. Considering its name, most people would guess this algae eater is native to China. However, it’s actually more commonly found in Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. In these countries, they inhabit warm and fast-flowing rivers and lakes comprised of sand, driftwood, and some vegetation.
What is the water temperature for Chinese algae eaters?
Temperature: These fish must be kept in water that is 75-80°F. pH Range: A pH range of 5.5 – 8 is acceptable. Hardness: Make sure the water stays within 8 – 10 KH.
Species Summary
The Chinese algae eater, scientifically known as the Gyrinocheilus aymonieri and commonly known as the honey sucker for its large puckered mouth. A freshwater fish natively from the northern Malay Peninsula, Mekong basin, Mae Klong basin, and Xe Bang Fai River.
Appearance
As a fish native to bottom-feeding, hiding at the bottom of rivers, it has colors to match. The natural color of a Chinese algae eater ranges from pale tan to olive, with a light underbelly and a dark lateral stripe. The dark lateral marking that these fish possess can appear as a solid line or as a spread of dark dots along the lateral line.
Chinese Algae Eater Size
The Chinese algae eater is recorded to reach at least 11 inches, a size that varies depending on the environment. As with any other fish, tank size affects the growth of your fish. If you put a big fish in a small tank, its growth can be stunted. A tank of 52+ gallons is recommended for a Chinese algae eater.
Chinese Algae Eater Care
Chinese Algae eater care isn’t as cut and dry as it may seem, stick it in a tank with some smooth rocks that collect algae and it’ll self-regulate, right? Unfortunately for some unsuspecting owners, where the Chinese algae eater is an avid tank cleaner and tireless algae snacker in their youth, they transition to higher-protein diets as they age.
Tank Size
When your Chinese algae eater is young, it will only need a 26-30 gallon tank. However, this fish does grow sizably, you’ll need a 60-70 gallon tank to accommodate this bottom-feeder. Especially if you have a community of fish, which is recommended for welcoming a Chinese algae eater into your tank.
Water Parameters
You want your tank to reflect the fish’s natural environment as much as possible. Being from Asian rivers, the Chinese algae eater prefers warm, clean, oxygen-rich water with strong water circulation. Specifically, you want to aim for:
What to Include in Their Tank
The most important thing to include in a Chinese algae eater’s tank is shelter. Providing many caverns and plants with ample hiding spots can prevent aggression amongst fish. Especially if you’re housing your Chinese algae eater in a tank with many other fish, you need to provide enough space for each fish to have a crevice of its own.
What are the characteristics of a Chinese algae eater?
Perhaps the most noteworthy physical feature of the Chinese Algae Eater is their mouth. These fish have a large mouth and sizable lips.
How many gallons of water do Chinese algae eaters need?
At the very least, these fish need 30 gallons. That number is assuming you only have one Chinese Algae Eater in your aquarium. Author Note: While you can see success with 30 gallons, we always recommend getting a slightly bigger tank (aim for 50 gallons).
How long do Chinese algae eaters live?
The typical Chinese Algae Eater lifespan is around 10 years. This makes them a fish that’s better suited for aquarists who are interested in making a reasonable commitment. Casual hobbyists might do better owning a species with a shorter lifespan. As always, many factors can contribute to their overall lifespan.
What is an algae eater?
The Chinese Algae Eater is a freshwater fish that comes with a mixed reputation. Some aquarists think they’re very aggressive, others believe they only eat algae, and a few mistake them for another species entirely!
How do Chinese algae eaters stay stationary?
The rivers that these Chinese Algae Eaters occupy are quite fast. In these waters the fish stay stationary in their habitat by latching onto smooth rocks. You can recreate a powerful water flow with a good pump. Direct the outlet towards the side of the tank to keep the water circulating at all times.
What is the name of the fish that eats honey suckers?
Scientifically, these fish are known as Gyrinocheilus aymonieri. But, they go by many names in the aquarist community. The two most popular are the Honey Sucker or Sucking Loach. Whatever you call them, these fish can be a bit of a challenge to care for.
Why do Chinese fish eat ich?
They can experience common conditions that affect all freshwater fish, such as Ich. Ich is caused by stress, which is usually a direct result of poor water conditions. Again, maintaining those parameters from earlier is crucial. Chinese Algae Eaters are also prone to bloat.
1. What To Feed Young Chinese Algae Eaters
Chinese algae eaters need more to eat than just the algae in your aquarium. Chinese algae eaters need to be fed, just like your other fish. They will need sinking food so they can “find” the food. When they are young, they will need mostly algae wafers supplemented with protein based foods like blood worms and flake food.
2. What Feed Adult Chinese Algae Eaters
As your Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) gets older, they will want to switch to a mostly protein diet. In the wild, the juvenile CAE will graze on algae because it is easy to get into their oddly shaped mouth.
5. Where To Collect Chinese Algae Eaters In The Wild
Chinese algae eaters originally came from Southeast Asia, including Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Their they are used as food fish and in the aquarium trade.
6. What Is The Natural Environment Of Chinese Algae Eaters?
Chinese algae eaters’ natural habitat is in fast flowing (clean water) streams. The water in these streams in well oxygenated, so make sure your tank water is well agitated. Powerheads for airflow and water flow would probably work best.
9. Fish That Are Safe To Keep With Your Chinese Algae Eater
Because Chinese algae eaters can be aggressive with their own species or similar species, its best to keep one to a tank or (if you have a huge aquarium) in groups of five or more so that the aggression is shared / passed around.
12. Aquarium Conditions Best Suited For Your Chinese Algae Eater
The Chinese algae eater needs a tank appropriate for its full-grown adult size. The adult size of a Chinese algae eater can range from 6 inches to 11 inches for an older, well cared for specimen. A lightly stocked tank of at least 30 gallons would be a minimum. I would recommend a lightly stocked tank of 55 gallons or larger.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Everything you wanted to know about Chinese algae eaters.
Natural Habitat, Identification, and Where to Buy
Chinese Algae Eaters, a member of the Gyrinocheilidae family, is a bottom-dwelling freshwater fish known by a variety of names such as Sucking Loach and Honey Suckers, originating in southea st Asia. While not a rare fish, it can be uncommon and might be difficult to find at your local pet store.
Creating the Landscape
One thing all fish have in common is that the closer their tank mimics their environment the happier and healthier they will be. The Chinese Algae Eater is located throughout Asia in various rivers. These waters are warm and have a lot of hiding places for the fish.
Society
Chinese Algae Eaters are known to be natural loners that like to spend most of their time in the lower areas of the tank where they attach to surfaces around the aquarium and look for any algae growth to eat in your freshwater aquarium.
Gender, Breeding, and Reproductive Considerations
Chinese Algae Eaters are known to be a species that is incredibly difficult to breed at home. There are only a few recorded cases of breeding happening while being kept in an aquarium.
Nutritional Needs
For the Chinese Algae Eater, their primary source of food and nutrition in the wild is algae. When in their native environment they will latch onto rocks and eat all the algae they find using their sucker mouths.
Common Diseases and How to Avoid and Treat Them
The best way to ensure the health of your Chinese Algae Eaters healthy is by making sure your tank remains clean and the water stays remains at the highest quality possible. In many ways, this is a hardy fish but they are very susceptible to illness caused by having an unclean tank.
4 Facts About Chinese Algae Eaters
The Chinese Algae Eater ’s scientific name is Gyrinocheilus aymonieri.
Overview
- Scientific name: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri Chinese algae eaters are well-known for their ability to consume large amounts of algae as juveniles, but many people do not realize that their dietary requirements change as they age. As adults, Chinese algae eaters prefer more protein in their diet. Native to the Chao Phraya basin and rivers throughout Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, they are so…
Typical Appearance and Behavior
- Chinese algae eaters appear as light brown with a solid or dotted black strip along their body or gold in color
- They are long, slender fish with a large suction cup style mouth they use to attach to the glass, rocks and décor
Habitat
- Habitat size
Keep in an appropriately sized aquarium, which can range from 10 gallons for juvenile Chinese algae eaters to a much larger aquarium for an adult. - Building your habitat
1. Water health - Provide proper filtration to ensure optimal water quality to help maintain health. Moderate to turbulent water circulation should be provided to mimic water currents and high oxygen levels found in a Chinese algae eater’s natural habitat. Stable water quality(pH, ammonia…
Feeding
- A well-balanced Chinese algae eater diet consists of: 1. Algae and sinking algae wafers 2. Supplement with raw zucchini or cucumbers as a treat once or twice a week; raw vegetables should be anchored near the bottom of the aquarium 3. Adults will benefit from sinking pellets, frozen and freeze-dried brine and mysis shrimp and bloodworms Things to r...
Chinese Algae Eater Care
- Water care: Maintaining great water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration is important to help keep your Chinese algae eater healthy
- Avoid overcrowded conditions; they are a major cause of stress and disease
Where to Buy
- Chinese algae eaters are available for purchase at your local Petco location;availability varies by location. Please call ahead to check availability.
Supplies
Tank Mates
- May be compatible with community fish such as: 1. Platys 2. Mollies 3. Swordtails 4. Gouramis 5. Angelfish 6. Barbs 7. Danios 8. Larger tetras 9. Rainbowfish Keep only one Chinese algae eater per tank
Health
- Signs of a healthy Chinese algae eater
1. Clear eyes 2. Eats vigorously 3. Attaches to the side of the aquarium or décor or moves along the bottom of the aquarium 4. Bright, even coloring 5. Free of parasites or disease - Red flags
1. Loss of color 2. Cloudy eyes or pop-eye 3. Labored breathing 4. Frayed fins or discolored fins 5. Weight loss 6. Bloating 7. Loss of appetite 8. Erratic swimming 9. Spots or fungus on body or mouth 10. Listlessness 11. Elevated scales
FAQs
- What do algae eaters eat?As juveniles, Chinese algae eaters will primarily eat algae. As they age, they will also crave protein-based foods such as sinking pellets, frozen or freeze-dried brine shr...
- How big do Chinese algae eaters get?Chinese algae eaters can reach an adult size of 11 inches.
- What do algae eaters eat?As juveniles, Chinese algae eaters will primarily eat algae. As they age, they will also crave protein-based foods such as sinking pellets, frozen or freeze-dried brine shr...
- How big do Chinese algae eaters get?Chinese algae eaters can reach an adult size of 11 inches.
- How many Chinese algae eaters per tank?Chinese algae eaters are semi-aggressive and will fight with one another; it is best to only have one per aquarium.
- How fast do Chinese algae eaters grow?The growth rate of the Chinese algae eater will vary by individual, depending on the amount of algae and supplemental nutrition being provided.
Appearance, Size, and Lifespan
Temperament and Behavior
Natural Habitat
Basic Tank Setup
Food and Diet
- As you’ve probably guessed, the main component of the Chinese algae eater’s diet is algae. However, the efficiency of this fish means that algae will quickly become in short supply. Combined with regular tank maintenance and water changes, there may not be enough naturally occurring food in the aquarium for your algae eater. Because of this, it’s r...
Summary of Chinese Algae Eaters