The Complete Chinese Algae Eater Care Guide: Tank Setup, Feeding, Tankmates and Behavior
Key take aways from this page:
* Adult Chinese Algae Eaters are mostly nocturnal.
* Chinese Algae Eaters inhabit fast moving high oxygen streams in the wild, so you should provide strong flows of water in their aquarium. Water pumps work well for this. You use the power heads to add oxygen to the tank.
* Young Chinese Algae Eaters prefer a herbivore diet (plant based), but adults prefer an omnivore diet (plants and proteins).
* Algae eaters grow to be as much as 11 inches long, so make sure the tank you have is large enough for a large fish.
* Algae Eaters can’t be bred in an aquarium.
So you’ve bought a Chinese Algae Eater, and you’re wondering how to care for your new pet.
It’s fairly simple to keep and grow your Chinese algae eater. He/She just needs good food (more than just the algae in the tank), a large enough aquarium, and clean aquarium water.
(Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) – Image provided by https://infoproekt24.com/ (tap to visit)
Fast Facts
How big do Chinese Algae Eaters Get?
Chinese Algae Eaters grow up to 11 inches long.
What size aquarium do they need?
For an adult CAE I would suggest a 55 gallon tank with no other fish in the tank.
What should the water temperature be for Chinese Algae Eaters?
Typical tropical fish temps of 75 to 80 degrees F. (24 to degrees to 27 C.)
Is keeping Chinese Algae Eaters easy or difficult?
Easy when young but more difficult as they grow larger. This is due to the fact that the adults grow to be quite large, plus their aggressiveness with other fish.
What should a CAE be fed (food types)?
When young they will want fresh, frozen, canned, or cooked vegetables. Also algae disk and pellet fish food. Herbivore foods.
Adults will want more protein based fish food like frozen fish foods, insects (fresh and frozen), regular flake fish food, and disk, and tablet foods fish foods. In other words, omnivore foods.
Life Span: How long do Algae Eaters Live?
10 years is suggested. I’ve never kept one that long.
Identifying and Behavior
Chinese algae eaters (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri), also known as honey suckers or sucking loaches, are commonly kept in freshwater aquariums. Their coloration varies from gray to gray-green, tan, or light brown. They typically feature an irregular dark stripe along their sides and a scattered line of dark spots across the top of their bodies.
A light gold variation is also available, which usually lacks the characteristic spots and stripes. This morph resembles an albino form, although it does not have the typical pink eyes of albino fish.
Activity and Behavior
Chinese algae eaters are primarily nocturnal, but you may occasionally observe them swimming around during the day.
- Juvenile Behavior: Young CAEs are active and constantly explore the tank, scraping surfaces to feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter.
- Adult Behavior: As they mature, their scraping behavior intensifies and can become problematic. Adult CAEs may target other tankmates, scraping off slime coats, scales, and even skin. This aggressive behavior can lead to serious injury or death for both small and large fish.
Natural Habitat
Chinese algae eaters are native to Southeast Asia, including countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, where they are sometimes consumed as food.
In the wild, they inhabit fast-flowing, clean streams with high oxygen levels. To replicate these conditions in an aquarium:
* Ensure the water in the aquarium is well-oxygenated.
* Use powerheads or similar equipment to maintain strong water flow and aeration.
Physical description
(Wikipedia – Edited)
G. aymonieri has been recorded as reaching at least 28 cm (11 inches)… The mouth is inferior with a special “sucker” modification which allows the fish to attach itself to smooth surfaces…
Wild type colour varies from pale grey to olive, with darker markings along the lateral line which vary from a solid stripe with alternating higher and lower extensions to uneven dots. The belly is usually paler than the base colour. Some darker markings may also be observed along the back and on the caudal fin, but no dark markings occur on the pelvic and anal fins.
Aquarium Size & Water Parameters
Tank Size
Chinese algae eaters grow quite large as adults, typically reaching 6 to 11 inches in length when well cared for. It’s important to provide a tank that accommodates their full-grown size.
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- Minimum tank size: For one Chinese Algae Eater at least 30 gallons for a lightly stocked setup.
- Recommended tank size: 55 gallons or larger to ensure adequate space and reduce territorial aggression.
Substrate
Because of their soft belly’s, it’s ideal to have a sand or other soft substrate.
Stong Water Movement
Chinese algae eater’s natural habitat the streams they inhabit have fast water movement thrive in clean, well-oxygenated water with moderate to strong flow. To replicate their natural habitat:
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- Use powerheads to increase water circulation and oxygenation.
Exellent Filtration
Effective filtration is essential due to the large amount of waste these fish produce.
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- Choose a system that forces water through the filter media, rather than one that simply allows water to pass over it.
- For optimal results, use both a canister filter and a hang-on-back filter. This combination helps manage waste and maintain water quality.
Recommended Water Conditions
Chinese algae eaters are adaptable and can tolerate a range of water parameters, but ideal conditions will support their health and longevity:
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- pH: 6.5 to 7.0
- Temperature: 74 to 80 degrees F. (24 to 27 C.)
Video opens in a new tab or window
From the video above:
“The first thing you should know about the Chinese algae eater is that it’s not found in China. This algae eater is actually from Thailand where it inhabits fast moving streams. Because of this it has developed an interesting anatomy.
Since the waters it comes from move so fast this algae eater developed the ability to lock itself into place against surfaces using its mouth. It can eat and breathe when attached to surfaces and its body will move about with the current…”
Feeding
Feeding Young CAE’s an Herbivore (Vegetable) Based Diet
When young, Chinese Algae Eater’s primary diet should consist of algae wafers, supplemented with protein-rich foods such as brine shrimp and flake food. A useful method for feeding flake food is to place a generous amount in your palm, moisten it with a few drops of water, and compress it into a tight ball. Once it sinks, your Chinese algae eater—and other fish in the tank—will eagerly consume it.
Recommended Foods for Young Chinese Algae Eaters
Keep in mind that these fish will show you what they prefer. Simply observe their feeding behavior to learn what they enjoy:
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- Celery
- Cooked squash such as zucchini (yellow or green)
- Peas, and lima beans — fresh, frozen, or canned
- Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and collard greens
- Cucumber (cooked or fresh)
- Algae tablets and wafers formulated for fish
- Protein-based tablets or wafers
- Flake fish food, moistened and shaped into a ball so it sinks
- Frozen fish foods (Note: I recommend avoiding bloodworms)
- Homemade fish food
* You can find fish food recipes here.
* Or use Gemini A.I. to create one just for you. Tap this link.
* How do you grow the best live fish food for your aquarium fish? 8 easy types
Feeding Adult CAE’s A Protein Based Diet
As your Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) gets older, they will want to switch to a mostly protein diet. In the wild, the juvenile CAE will graze on algae because it is simple to get into their oddly shaped mouth. As adults, their mouths expand to accommodate the consumption of worms, shrimp, and small insects, necessitating the transition of adult fish to protein-based diets in aquariums.
A few things to try. You need to experiment to find out what they like:
* Protein based fish food tablets and wafers.
* Protein based flake fish food wetted and rolled into a ball so it will sink.
* Frozen fish food you can buy at the local fish store. Don’t buy bloodworms.
* You can try vegetables. The adult algae eater might eat them.
* Homemade fish food as mentioned above.
How To Grow Large Chinese Algae Eaters
To help your Chinese algae eaters grow large and healthy, focus on offering a diverse and abundant diet. While young algae eaters primarily consume plant-based foods, adults require more protein-rich options to thrive.
Key Tips for Growth
Provide A Variety of Fish Foods:
Provide a wide range of high-quality foods. Young fish prefer greens, but as they mature, gradually increase the amount of protein-based foods in their diet.
Make Sure Your Aquarium Is Big Enough:
Use the largest aquarium you can reasonably afford. A minimum of 30 gallons per algae eater (no other fish as the CAE will eat them) is recommended to ensure adequate space for growth and activity.
Provide The Best Water Quality You Can:
Clean water is essential. Invest in high-capacity filtration—more than you think is necessary—to maintain excellent water conditions. Perform regular, large water changes to keep the environment healthy and stable.
* Chinese Algae Eater Video – I have the same feelings about CAE as the person who created the video.
* Video: Choose Wisely! Bristlenose Pleco vs Chinese Algae Eater
* Video: Why I Don’t Keep The 2 BEST Algae Eaters In My Aquariums…
Suggested Chinese Algae Eater food:
Omnivores: Plant foods such as blanched zucchini, blanched spinach, peas and lettuce leaves should form the basis of their diet. Brine shrimp, tubifex, mosquito larvae, corethra and daphnia are acceptable foods, both live and frozen. Granules, tablets, and other dry foods intended for bottom species must be sunk because these fish feed near the bottom.
They are prone to obesity if fed only frozen, live food.
InfoProekt24.com – Gyrinocheilus aymonieri – Author
Ivan Kononov
My pick for Best On eBay for "Algae Eater Food":
API Sinking Algae Eater Food
Choice was based on:
* 2 containers for about the same price as one
* Seller has a 99.4% rating
Tap this box to view current price.
Tankmates
Fish That Are Safe to Keep with Your Chinese Algae Eater
Chinese algae eaters (CAEs) can be territorial and aggressive, especially toward their own kind or similarly shaped species. In addition to this, when given a chance they will chew on other tankmates.
Compatible tankmates include:
- Similarly sized cichlids
- Fast-moving fish
- And larger species that can hold their own
Fish to Avoid Keeping with Your Chinese Algae Eater
Certain fish are poor companions for CAEs due to their slow movement and body shape, which can trigger unwanted behavior.
Fish to avoid adding to an aquarium that has a Chinese Algae Eater in it:
* Discus
* Angelfish
Also avoid housing CAEs with other bottom-dwelling or similarly shaped species,These species compete for the same territory and can provoke aggression:
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- Other Chinese Algae Eaters
- Siamese Algae Eaters
- Flying Fox Algae Eaters
- Red-tailed Sharks
From Reddit: r/Aquariums
Chinese algae eaters, are they really that bad?
Dedlikemoi:
“I’ve had two, 1 on purpose and 1 came with a used tank.
The one that came with the tank was adult and would chase my corys around relentlessly. When it was time for food, he’d try his best to not let any bottom feeder eat anything. Never saw him eat algae. Lol. Pet store took him thankfully.
The one I bought was great until adulthood but then killed an angel by eating her slime coat (this was many years ago before I knew better…)
So yea, for me, not good experiences with them in a community tank.”
PakkyT:
“Chinese algae eaters have a bad reputation primary because people are unsuspectingly sold them as little peaceful algae eating fish. It isn’t their fault they are marketed this way.
Yes these fish get more aggressive as they get older and often will go after larger slow moving fish that cannot avoid them. They can get fairly large as well so won’t do well in, say, a ten gallon long term.”
Breeding
Chinese algae eaters are just about impossible to breed in the aquarium. Your pet store sells Chinese algae eaters bred in large ponds under premium conditions. Growers will use hormones in the ponds to stimulate Chinese algae eaters to breed.
You will not be able to get your CAE to breed in your aquarium.
FAQ’s – Chinese Algae Eater Questions
1. Do CAE’s eat snails?
Adults will eat snails when given a chance.
2. Should I buy a Chinese Algae Eater or a Siamese Algae Eater?
I would recommend the Siamese Algae Eater because it smaller as adults (about 6 inches) and they are less aggressive then CAE’s. (Source: Wikipedia)
3. Is it better to buy a Golden Chinese Algae Eater or a regular colored Chinese Algae Eater?
The only difference is color, so that is up to you and what is available.
4. Are Chinese Algae Eaters For You?
Pros:
* Easy to care for
* Large fish are always impressive
* Always available in fish stores and online
Cons:
* As adults they are aggressive
* They chew on other fish
* They could outgrow your aquarium
* Your fish store may not take them if you no longer want them
Citations / Sources – In addition to my personal experience additional information was provided by:
https://www.aquaticcommunity.com/mix/chinesealgaeeater.php
InfoProekt24.com – Gyrinocheilus aymonieri – Author
Ivan Kononov
YouTube – Chinese Algae Eaters
500 Freshwater Aquarium Fish: A Visual Reference to the Most Popular Species
Author Bio: Don Glasgow - creator of this site
* I've been keeping fish for 24 years, including Discus, Angelfish, Betta Fish, Tiger Barbs, Bristlenose Plecos, Zebra Danios and many, many more.
* I've have been keeping planted aquariums for 23 of those 24 years. Plants I've kept include Java Fern, Sword Plants, Rosette Sword and many more.
Other pages on this site:
⇒ How to keep freshwater shrimp
⇒ 10 fast growing plants to help control algae in the planted aquarium
⇒ Taking photos of your aquarium using your smartphone
⇒ Aquarium Hobbyist Books & Gifts
⇒ My Top 3 Steps To Have Healthy Fish and A Healthy Aquarium
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Thanks! Don
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