[Ebook] The New Guide to Aquarium Fish – Cypriniformes – The Algae Eater

Cypriniformes

The Algae Eater

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri is sold under various names: Indian Algae Eater, Chinese Algae Eater, and Sucking Loach. To the newcomer it seems to be the answer to all his problems – a fish that will eat algae. Small specimens are fine in the community aquarium, but it is potentially a large fish (25 cm/10 in plus) and it grows quickly, becoming more and more boisterous, digging out depressions in the gravel, and even sticking itself on to the sides of larger fishes much to their annoyance. Damage to the victim’s protective mucus (some sucking loaches even develop a taste for this “food”) may result, creating a potential site for infection.

Youngsters hang from the sides of the aquarium using their sucker mouths, looking like rows of little thermometers. To permit them to breathe while holding station, there is a small spiracle on the head that allows water to pass into the mouth and out over the gills yet still allows enough suction for the fish to hold on. As well as eating algae. Gyrinocheilus aymonieri will eat small invertebrates, flake, and frozen foods.