Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Chinese Algae Eater
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Also called Honey sucker, Sucking loach, Indian algae eater, Siamese algae-eater (FishBase common name), Golden algae eater (gold form)
From Mainland Southeast Asia: the Mae Klong, Chao Phraya, Mekong and Dong Nai basins in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, plus the northern Malay Peninsula. Despite its common name it is not native to China.12
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Sucker-mouthed scaled fish
An elongated fish with a downward-facing suction-cup mouth for clinging to rocks and glass. The natural colour is pale grey to olive with a darker band of blotches along the side. It has no barbels, and small openings above the gills let it breathe while its mouth stays attached.132
Personality what they are like
Easy-going as a youngster but increasingly territorial as it grows, especially towards other bottom dwellers and similar-shaped fish. Best kept alone or in a group large enough to spread out any squabbles, with robust tankmates.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Spends much of its time stuck to flat surfaces grazing; likes flowing water and lots of surfaces to explore.31
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep water clean and well-oxygenated with good flow. Water: about 22-26 C (tolerates roughly 16-32 C), pH 6.0-8.0, hardness about 2-20 dGH.12
Home where they are happiest
Adults need a tank of at least about 150 x 45 cm base (around 300 litres) with rocks, smooth stones, driftwood and strong water movement.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mainly grazes algae and biofilm. Supplement with quality dried foods, sinking pellets or gel foods, fresh vegetables and small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp.12
Company who they like around
Either a single fish or a group of six or more so that a stable pecking order forms.1
The story where it all began
First described in 1883 by Tirant as Psilorhynchus aymonieri, it was named after French explorer and linguist Etienne Aymonier. In its home region it is also caught as food, and it became widespread in the aquarium hobby as an algae grazer.32
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
A special opening above each gill cover lets it pump water over its gills while its mouth stays clamped to a rock in fast water.2
- 2
It is not from China; its natural range is in mainland Southeast Asia.1
- 3
Small fish are used in the traditional Cambodian fermented fish paste prahok.3
- 4
It has no barbels and no throat teeth, unlike many of its relatives.1
- 5
Its species name honours explorer Etienne Aymonier.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2011).2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chinese Algae Eater. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Chinese Algae Eater?
Feed your Chinese Algae Eater small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. They graze algae and biofilm, so supplement with sinking pellets and fresh veggies. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact portions.12 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Chinese Algae Eater eat, and what should it never eat?
They mainly graze algae and biofilm, and enjoy quality dried foods, sinking pellets, fresh vegetables, and small live or frozen foods like bloodworm. What they should never eat varies by individual; ask your vet or a good breeder for safe choices.12
How much space does a Chinese Algae Eater need?
Adults need a tank with a base of at least 150 x 45 cm, around 300 litres, with rocks, smooth stones, and driftwood. They love strong water movement and lots of surfaces to explore.1
What temperature, light or water does a Chinese Algae Eater need?
Keep water between 22-26°C (they tolerate 16-32°C), pH 6.0-8.0, and hardness 2-20 dGH. They enjoy flowing water and well-oxygenated conditions; lighting is not critical but supports algae growth.12
How often should I clean a Chinese Algae Eater's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Regular water testing each week helps keep conditions stable. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Chinese Algae Eater live with others?
They can be kept alone or in a group of six or more to spread out squabbles. As they grow, they become territorial, especially toward bottom dwellers, so choose robust tankmates carefully.1
How long does a Chinese Algae Eater live?
With good care, they can live up to 15 years. Provide clean water, a spacious tank, and a varied diet to help them thrive.1
Can I handle a Chinese Algae Eater?
Handling is not recommended as it can stress or injure them. If you need to move your fish, ask your vet or a good breeder for the safest method.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Seriously Fish: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri seriouslyfish.comused for origin, care, tank, water, diet, behaviour, colour forms, lifespan
- FishBase: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri fishbase.seused for distribution, length, water, IUCN, breathing adaptation, uses
- Wikipedia: Chinese algae eater en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, colour forms, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.