Chinese Algae Eater (CAE)
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) is a freshwater species with an adult-size reference of about 25 cm. It needs at least 300 litres and one individual, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Wassertemperatur
22 - 28 °C
pH-Wert
6 - 7.5
Wassertyp
Süßwasser
Tankfüllstand
Unten
Erwachsenengröße
25 cm
Mindesttankvolumen
>= 300 L
Mindestgruppe
>= 1
GH
5 - 15 dGH
KH
2 - 7 dKH
TDS
95 - 295 ppm
Leitfähigkeit
148 - 461 uS/cm
Artbeschreibung
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Gyrinocheilus aymonieri; the verified classification records genus Gyrinocheilus, family Gyrinocheilidae, order Cypriniformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) is normally kept as a single individual and does not require conspecifics. The minimum reference is one individual; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Aquarium Setup: Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) needs an aquarium of at least 300 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of one individual. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is omnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater species; the card's reference values are 22–28 °C, pH 6–7.5. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is a species to combine with caution, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least one individual; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Use a secure cover and close escape gaps. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Ursprung
Süd- und Südostasien
Fischprofil
- Temperament
- Territorial
- Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) has a generally territorial temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Diät
- Omnivore
- In their youth, they are ravenous herbivores that enthusiastically consume soft green algae, diatoms, and biofilm from aquarium surfaces. As they grow older and larger, their dietary preference shifts dramatically towards a more omnivorous, protein-rich diet, and they will largely ignore algae. To keep adults healthy and deter them from sucking on tank mates, they must be fed sinking wafers, high-quality pellets, and meaty foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. They will still appreciate blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber. Providing a varied, protein-inclusive diet is essential for mitigating their aggressive tendencies.
- Lebenserwartung
- 10-15 years
- Erwachsenengröße
- 25 cm
- Geschlechterverhältnis
- Solitary
- Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) is normally kept as a single individual and does not require conspecifics. The reference minimum is one individual and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Fütterungsfrequenz
- Twice daily
- Juveniles constantly graze on algae throughout the day and rarely need supplemental feeding if the tank has sufficient algal growth. However, adult Chinese Algae Eaters should be fed once or twice a day with sinking, protein-rich foods to keep them satiated. They are fast, aggressive eaters that can easily outcompete slower bottom-dwellers like Corydoras for food. It is important to ensure that food reaches the bottom without being intercepted by mid-water fish. Overfeeding should be avoided to maintain water quality, but underfeeding an adult will almost certainly lead to it attacking other fish for their slime coat.
- Bioload
- Medium to High
- The Chinese Algae Eater produces a moderate to high bioload, especially as it matures and reaches its substantial adult size of up to ten inches. While they are highly efficient algae grazers as juveniles, their overall waste production increases as their diet shifts toward meatier foods in adulthood. A robust biological and mechanical filtration system is necessary to handle the detritus they produce and stir up from the substrate. Regular vacuuming of the gravel and consistent water changes are crucial to prevent the buildup of nitrates and maintain a healthy environment. They are quite hardy, but poor water quality will significantly shorten their lifespan.
- Fluss
- Stagnant
- They originate from fast-flowing rivers and streams in Southeast Asia, so they highly prefer an aquarium with strong water currents and high oxygenation. The use of powerheads, wavemakers, or a strong canister filter outflow is highly recommended to replicate their natural riverine environment. They use their specialized sucker mouths to cling tightly to rocks and smooth surfaces, resisting the strong current with ease. While they enjoy the flow, providing sheltered areas behind driftwood or large rocks allows them to rest. Poorly oxygenated or stagnant water will cause them severe stress and lethargy.
- Sprungrisiko
- Yes
- They are powerful, fast-swimming fish with a known tendency to jump or dart out of the aquarium, particularly when startled or during water changes. A heavy, tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential to prevent them from leaping to their death. Their erratic swimming behavior when spooked means they can easily find small gaps in the canopy. Keeping the aquarium in a relatively quiet area can help minimize sudden fright responses. Ensure that any openings around the filter pipes are blocked off to secure the tank completely.
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- Breeding the Chinese Algae Eater in a home aquarium is considered exceptionally rare and incredibly difficult to achieve. In commercial settings, they are bred in massive outdoor ponds using hormone injections to induce spawning, a process that cannot be replicated by the average hobbyist. They are egg-layers, but the specific environmental triggers—likely related to seasonal monsoon floods and massive water parameter shifts—are not fully understood. Furthermore, their extreme aggression toward conspecifics makes establishing a compatible breeding pair nearly impossible in confined spaces. Therefore, almost all specimens sold are commercially farmed.
- Kompatibilität & Tankkameraden
- With caution
- The cohabitation profile is a species to combine with caution, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least one individual; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Tankfüllstand
- Bottom
- They are primarily bottom-dwelling fish that spend the majority of their time attached to rocks, driftwood, or the aquarium glass. They are highly active and will frequently dart along the substrate or zip up the glass to graze on biofilm. An aquascape with smooth river rocks, sturdy driftwood, and broad-leaved plants provides ideal surfaces for them to cling to and defend. They rarely swim freely in the mid-water or upper levels unless darting to the surface for a quick gulp of air or grabbing sinking food. Providing plenty of caves and hiding spots is essential for their security.
Wissenschaftliche Modelle & Parameter
FishBase
Zugang zu den offiziellen wissenschaftlichen Daten der Art
FishBase v25.04Daten synchronisiert am: 15.06.2026
- Trophäenniveau
- 2,5 ± 0,25 se
- Phylogenetische Einzigartigkeit (PD50)
- 0.75
- Bayessche Längen-Gewichts-Beziehung
- a = 0.00389, b = 3.12
- AnfälligkeitGeringe Anfälligkeit (24 / 100)
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