CheckMyFishTankChinese Algae Eater care
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri · Freshwater · Intermediate level care
A common algae eater that becomes aggressive and stops eating much algae as it ages.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours. Algae wafers, vegetables, sinking pellets.
Claims a territory and guards it.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Chinese Algae Eater in a 160 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Chinese Algae Eater need different water temperatures.
- Discus: Discus and Chinese Algae Eater need different water temperatures.
- Demasoni Cichlid: Demasoni Cichlid fight their own kind. Keep only one per tank.
- Gold Nugget Pleco: Gold Nugget Pleco and Chinese Algae Eater need different water temperatures.
- Clown Knifefish: Clown Knifefish grows big enough to eat Chinese Algae Eater.
- Silver Arowana: Silver Arowana grows big enough to eat Chinese Algae Eater.
Questions
What size tank does a Chinese Algae Eater need?
At least 80 gallons. Adults grow to about 11 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Chinese Algae Eater like?
72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6.5 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Chinese Algae Eater should I keep together?
Keep only one. Chinese Algae Eater fight their own kind.
What do Chinese Algae Eater eat?
Algae wafers, vegetables, sinking pellets. Feed twice a day: a small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.