Gyrinocheilus, lat. Gyrinocheilus aymonieri- Gyrinocheilus aymonieri distribution
Family: Gyrinocheilidae;
Genus: Gyrinocheilus;
Species and synonyms: Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, Chinese Algae Eater, Indian Algae Eater, Siamese Algae-eater, Honey Sucker).
GBIF:
Gyrinocheilus (lat. Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cypriniformes, family Gyrinocheilidae, genus Gyrinocheilus. A popular aquarium fish known as the Chinese Algae Eater (CAE).
Distribution. The natural range of the Gyrinocheilus covers rivers and streams of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. The fish prefer clear, fast-flowing waters with rocky or sandy bottoms, often found in foothills and areas with strong currents.
Care requirements. Gyrinocheilus is an active fish that grows up to 12–15 cm in the aquarium and up to 28 cm in the wild. To keep a group (3–5 specimens), an aquarium of at least 150 liters with a length of 100 cm is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–28°C, hardness 5–20 dGH, pH 6.0–8.0. Powerful filtration, good aeration and water flow created by a powerhead are important. Weekly water changes of 20–25% are mandatory. Stones, driftwood and shelters are placed at the bottom, sand or fine gravel is used as substrate. Plants should have large, tough leaves.
Gyrinocheilus are omnivorous, with plant foods forming the basis of their diet: algae, blanched lettuce leaves, spinach, zucchini. Additionally, they are given live and frozen foods (bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp), as well as high-quality dry flakes and granules. Juvenile fish are effective at eating algae, but with age, interest in plant food decreases and they become more predatory, preferring animal foods.
In the aquarium, Gyrinocheilus are active in the lower and middle water layers. They get along peacefully with fish of comparable size, but can show aggression towards small and slow-moving fish, as well as nip the fins of veiltail forms. Recommended tankmates include barbs, danios, rasboras, large tetras, loaches and other active fish. It is not recommended to keep them with slow-moving or too small fish, as well as with veiltail forms.
Breeding in home aquariums is difficult due to the specific nature of spawning. In nature, spawning occurs during the rainy season in fast-flowing rivers. Sexual differences are weakly expressed: females become fuller-bodied during the spawning period. In aquarium keeping, breeding usually uses hormonal stimulation in specialized farms.
Gyrinocheilus differs from other algae eaters by the characteristic structure of its mouth: it has a suction cup that allows it to attach to rocks and glass in strong currents. It also lacks the lateral stripe characteristic of true Siamese algae eaters. Life expectancy is 8–10 years.
Comparison of algae eaters Crossocheilus oblongus, Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus, Garra cambodgiensis and Gyrinocheilus aymonieri