Golden Algae Eater - 5cm

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
• Common Name: Golden Algae Eater
• Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm), though some can grow slightly larger in optimal conditions
• Life Expectancy: 5 to 10 years
• Habitat: Native to freshwater rivers and streams in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia), typically with moderate to fast flow and rocky or sandy substrates

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (especially for adults)
• Ideal Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
• pH Range: 6.5 to 7.5
• Water Hardness: 5 to 19 dGH
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, especially as they mature; may become territorial with other bottom dwellers or similarly shaped fish

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes. Primarily herbivorous but will eat a variety of foods
  • Algae (natural and supplemented)
  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)
  • Sinking pellets and wafersOccasional protein sources like brine shrimp or
  • bloodworms

Appearance

• Slender, torpedo-shaped body
• Gold to yellow coloration with a lighter belly
• Some individuals may display a faint horizontal stripe along the body
• Fins are usually translucent or lightly colored

Distinctive Features

• Specialized suction-cup mouth for clinging to surfaces and scraping algae
• Unlike true algae eaters, they lack barbels around the mouth
• Often mistaken for similar species like the Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus spp.), but with less aggressive behavior in youth
• Can breathe through a unique gill structure allowing them to respire while clinging to surfaces