Species Profile
Chinese Algae Eater
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Also known as: CAE, Sucking Loach, Honey Sucker
Algae Eaterssemi-aggressive
Adult size
10″
Minimum tank
55 gal
Temperature
72–82°F
pH
6–8
Schooling
Solitary OK
Water level
bottom
Diet
Sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen, blanched veggies
Notes
Misleading name: eats algae only as a juvenile, becomes aggressive with age and starts rasping the slime coat off slower fish. Not recommended for community tanks. Get a siamese algae eater or otocinclus instead.
Compatible Tankmates
Best tank mates for Chinese Algae Eater
Every species below passes the compatibility engine when paired with Chinese Algae Eaterin a suitably sized tank. Verdicts come from the same rules the builder uses — click a card to see that species' own care profile and its tank mates in turn.
Cardinal Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Rummynose Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Harlequin Rasbora
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Zebra Danio
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Fancy Guppy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Platy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Molly
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Swordtail
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Male Betta
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Dwarf Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Honey Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Pearl Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Photo: Pseudogastromyzon / Wikimedia Commons · Source · Public domain