Girinoheilus – Chinese algae

A hardworking algae eater for your aquarium, the Girinoheilus, also called the Chinese algae eater, is something you might want to look into. Because of its capacity to maintain the cleanliness of your tank, aquarium enthusiasts frequently choose this particular fish. The Chinese algae eater is especially good at handling different kinds of algae, including the bothersome green and brown varieties, in contrast to many other algae eaters.

The Girinoheilus, which is native to China’s rivers and streams, is a good fit for aquarium life. It has a sleek body, a distinctive pattern of spots, and an overall distinctive appearance that makes it quite attractive. By eating algae and leftover food, it not only looks good in your tank but also contributes significantly to the upkeep of a balanced aquatic environment.

Though it has advantages, there are some things to consider. The Chinese algae eater, especially in smaller tanks, can become very territorial as it grows and may not get along with other fish. It’s crucial to give it lots of hiding places and to make sure your tank is big enough to meet its requirements. The Girinoheilus can add a great deal to the aesthetics and health of your aquarium with the correct setup and care.

Chinese algae in nature

The vast regions of Thailand, along with parts of China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the island of Kalimantan, comprise the Gyrinocheilus Aymonieri natural area. They selected the swift-moving streams and sun-filled mountain rivers. These reservoirs’ bottoms are filled with sand, gravel, pebbles, and boulders. Many of the flooded trees still have algae growing on them.

Algous agents can migrate according to the season and then be found even in flooded areas like rice fields. Fish consume phytoplankton, detritus, and algae.

Although they were first mentioned in 1883, aquariums didn’t contain them until 1956. Initially, they were made up of German lovers, but over time, they expanded globally.

These fish, which resemble carp, are farmed for food in their native land.

The species is becoming less common in China and Vietnam, and it is classified as endangered and on the Red Book in some other nations, like Thailand.

Chinese algae eaters are farmed and cannot be found for sale that were captured in the wild.

What does a gyrinocheilus look like

Chinese algae eaters are designed from the ground up to survive in water with swift currents. It is possible to move well because of the elongated, low body that has a wide abdomen and a slightly arched back that weakly resists the flow.

It can adhere firmly to a variety of surfaces and remove bacterial and algae-filled films thanks to its lower, sucker-shaped mouth, which has thick lips and hard, rough plates.

There are tiny spines surrounding the mouth opening but no whiskers. Two gill apertures are present. As water passes through them, the gills are cleaned. Because of this characteristic, the fish’s mouth is only used for "cleaning" surfaces and is not used for breathing. There are two blades on the tail fin.

Weight-halves can grow as large as 28 cm in the wild, but in aquariums, the largest size that is realistically expected is 12–15 cm. Live for roughly ten years, though they can live longer if given proper care.

It’s a pretty vibrant color. Fish with yellow, orange, or gold colors are the most common; fish with brownish-gray backs or a variety of spots are less common.

Although Chinese and Siamese algae are entirely different species from distinct natural regions, people occasionally confuse them. The latter can be identified by a dark horizontal strip running the length of the body, a different mouth shape, and a different color.

Character and compatibility

Gerinoheilus are highly active fish that live during the day. They are able to survive in every water layer. These fish spend most of their time at the bottom or on surfaces where scrapes can be made.

By nature, Chinese algae eaters are loners. While they are young, they can be kept in communal aquariums as long as they are large enough to prevent intraspecific conflicts.

But as they get older, they lose their integrity and turn hostile and territorial. They have the ability to scare their weaker kin to death.

They are occasionally stored in groups of at least five pieces. In this instance, the fish establish a hierarchy within the group, which lessens their level of aggression to some extent.

Gyrinocheilus do better as neighbors if you keep them in a shared aquarium with small, calm, peaceful, or fast fish or inhabitants of the upper water layers.

Botia, catfish, corydoras, barbs, danios, rasboras, loaches, etc. are suitable.

Furthermore, it is preferable for the latter to introduce the algae into the aquarium in order to evade his attacks across the entire region. Placing them next to big, placid, slow fish like discus, angelfish, goldfish, or labeo would be a grave mistake.

They can become attached to algae eaters and cause skin damage that can result in wounds, secondary fungal infections, and even early death.

It is best to leave your adult Gyrinocheilus alone if you are aware of its indiscriminate aggression toward everyone.

How to create optimal conditions for a Chinese algae eater

It’s not that hard to accomplish. The other conditions are not strictly limited; maintaining clean water is the most important thing.

Aquarium. Generally speaking, it is advised to get an aquarium for young fish that is at least 100 liters in capacity, and for adult fish, one that is at least 200 liters (i.e., big enough for a small community). Regardless, each fish should have at least thirty, and ideally forty or fifty liters. Gyrinocheilus can jump out of the container, so it’s great if it has a lid. It is ideal for a home pond to already have a balanced ecosystem before adding fish to it.

The following ranges contain the ideal water parameters:

• temperature – 22-28 °C;
• hardness – 5-19 °dH;
• acidity — 6.0-8.0 pH.

These fish cease to be active when the temperature falls below twenty degrees. Gyrinocheilus does not do well in the presence of nitrogen compounds, so it is crucial that the water contains plenty of oxygen. Weekly changes of 20–25% of the water are advised.

Tools. Installing a high-quality filter that produces a strong current is required. It is advised to have bright lighting so that everything in the aquarium, including the walls, has active algae growth.

Embellish. Since Chinese algae eaters essentially do no harm to plants, any kind will do. Planting them in dense thickets is preferable. The soil will be made of medium-sized pebbles or coarse sand.

Shelters. Having an abundance of shelters is also a good idea. Large stones, driftwood, and figurines made of ceramic will all be fitting.

Aquarium enthusiasts who want to control algae growth often choose Girinoheilus, also referred to as Chinese algae eaters. These resilient fish are well-known for their remarkable capacity to consume algae, which makes them a useful addition to any clean aquarium. To ensure their health and peace with other fish, they do have certain behaviors and care needs that need to be taken into account. You can maximize their contribution to your aquarium by being aware of their needs and traits.

How to feed gyrinoheilus

These fish resemble carp and are omnivores. Although they can eat live food, when they are young they prefer plant foods like vegetables and algae. Adults, however, like foods high in protein. They have no problem consuming eggs or even the scales that are removed from other fish’s sides.

In an aquarium, the menu ought to include:

• catfish tablets, dry flakes and granules;
• algae;
• vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, cabbage, spinach, lettuce, previously scalded with boiling water);
• live food (bloodworms, shrimp meat, brine shrimp), which can sometimes be replaced with frozen food.

It’s best to switch up your diet; have regular food one day, plant food the next, etc. If the portions are too large, the gyrinocheilus will quit consuming algae.

Especially if they are housed in a shared aquarium, where they also take food from other fish. A fasting day should be observed once a week.

The Chinese algae eater, Girinoheilus, is a great addition to a lot of aquariums. Because they consume algae, these fish are prized for their ability to maintain a clean tank and high water quality. Because of their resilience, they can be kept in a range of tank conditions, and your aquatic setup will look charming thanks to their distinctive look.

Girinoheilus are great at controlling algae, but it’s important to keep in mind that they do require particular maintenance. Their diet is not limited to algae, and they eat well in tanks that are kept up and have lots of hiding places. Keeping your Chinese algae eaters healthy and active can be achieved through routine tank maintenance and appropriate feeding techniques.

In conclusion, adding Girinoheilus to your aquarium can be a fulfilling endeavor. They have aesthetic appeal in addition to practical advantages. You’ll help your aquarium’s ecosystem by maximizing their potential and meeting their needs by creating a suitable environment.

Video on the topic

Chinese algae eater.

Brown algae and algae eater Girinacheilus

Fish Gyrinocheilus (algae eater)

Gyrinocheilus yellow (golden) algae eater .

Chinese algae eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)

GIRINOCHEILUS OR CHINESE ALGAE EEDER