Gyrinocheilus aymonieri

Introducing the fascinating fish that’s becoming more and more well-liked among aquarium enthusiasts: the Gyrinocheilus aymonieri. Known by most as the Siamese algae eater, this species is prized for both its remarkable ability to eat algae and its unusual look. An exotic touch can be added to any aquarium setup with the Siamese algae eater due to its sleek body and unique markings.

The Gyrinocheilus aymonieri’s ability to keep a tank clean is one of its main attractions. Because these fish naturally graze algae, they can keep your aquarium looking immaculate by eating the unwanted algae growth. They are therefore a sensible option for anyone having algae issues in their aquarium.

The Siamese algae eater requires little upkeep, which makes it an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned hobbyists. They flourish in a clean, well-stocked aquarium with lots of swimming area and a diet rich in algae and other foods. They enjoy being kept in groups because of their gregarious and active personalities, which can give your aquarium a vibrant dynamic.

All things considered, the Gyrinocheilus aymonieri is a fantastic complement to any tank, fusing practicality with style. This fish is definitely something to think about, whether you’re trying to deal with algae problems or just want to introduce a colorful new species to your aquatic community.

Habitat and range

Southeast Asia: extensively distributed throughout the Mekong (in Cambodia, Yunnan Province, China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam), Chao Phraya, Northern Malay Peninsula, and Meiklong river basins.

More prevalent in wide rivers, frequently near submerged tree roots or snags, and sporadically in flooded fields.

The fish spends most of its time on smooth, hard surfaces, attaching itself to stones in stronger currents with its lower jaw.

Description

The body is significantly elongated and low. There is a slight arch in the dorsal profile and a flat abdomen.

The color of the body can range from gray to olive and yellow-brown. Some people have a longitudinal stripe running the length of their body and dark spots. Scale with a dark border that gives the fish’s body a mesh-like appearance. gray-colored or yellow-colored fins. The tail may have multiple dark areas. A two-lobed caudal fin is present.

The mouth-suction cup lacks antennae, has large lips, and hard, rough plates. The fish’s ability to scrape off algae and cling firmly to different surfaces is due to its mouth structure.

It comes in a variety of color forms, such as marble, albino, golden, wild, and with a short body.

Size:

It can reach up to 28 cm in the wild, but it usually only reaches 15 cm in an aquarium.

Behavior and compatibility

Because they willfully consume algae, but only when they are young, these fish are frequently purchased as algae eaters. The fish, particularly the adults, are fiercely territorial and aggressive toward other members of their own species.

Not ideal for a community aquarium, but that doesn’t mean it should be kept alone—choosing neighbors carefully is still important. Select robust, energetic carp for the higher grades.

Even large, calm fish can be sucked and their skin severely damaged, sometimes even dying as a result.

One strategy to lessen intraspecific aggression is to keep them in groups of five or more, as this will establish a social hierarchy.

Aquarium

The ideal setup is a 100-liter aquarium; if it is housed in a shared aquarium, each person should have at least 30 liters of water in it.

Dense plant plantings are made. Small pebbles or coarse sand work well as soil. Don’t forget to add driftwood to the aquarium so it can get the nutrients it needs.

Grottoes, big stones, and ceramic decorations work well as décor. If the latter is kept in an aquarium with other species of the same kind, it will be especially fitting. Numerous shelters will reduce disputes and altercations, which occasionally even result in the death of a weaker fish.

Water parameters:

23 to 27 degrees Celsius pH range: 6.0 to 8.0 Hardness: 5 to 19 degrees DGH

A third of the water must be changed weekly and there must be active filtration with aeration.

Feeding

In the wild, it consumes algae, worms, crustaceans, and larvae of insects, including zooplankton.

Omnivores: plant-based foods such as blanched zucchini, scalded spinach, peas, and lettuce leaves should form the foundation of their diet. Brine shrimp, tubifex, bloodworms, corethra, and daphnia are acceptable foods, both live and frozen. Granules, tablets, and other dry food meant for bottom species should sink because fish feed close to the bottom.

They are prone to obesity if fed only frozen and live food.

Sexual Dimorphism

When it comes to sexual maturity, females are noticeably thicker than males and have a more rounded abdomen line. However, it is impossible to tell young fish apart from adults.

Because a fatty tubercle forms on the head during spawning, males are easily distinguished from females.

Aquarium enthusiasts find the Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, popularly called the Siamese algae eater, to be an intriguing fish because of its remarkable ability to eat algae and its amiable disposition. This Southeast Asian native is a well-liked option for keeping a clean tank because it inhibits the growth of undesirable algae without endangering other tank occupants or plants. You can create a thriving environment for your fish and the rest of the aquarium ecosystem by having a thorough understanding of its care requirements and behavior.

Breeding

To the best of our knowledge, it is cultivated in large quantities for trade using hormones rather than being bred in hobby aquariums.

Although successful home aquarium breeding is extremely rare and the reproduction process is quite difficult, it is possible if all the right circumstances are present.

More than 200 liters should be the maximum capacity for the spawning tank. To generate a tiny current, a filter is positioned in the corner and a separator mesh is placed on the bottom. Increased aeration and average aquarium illumination are also required for successful spawning. Several large-leafed plants can be placed in the spawning tank.

The spawning aquarium’s water parameters are 24 °C, pH 6.8, and dH 4-5. Change 10% of the water every day.

A few males and a round-abdomen female are positioned for mating. Before and right after planting for spawning, the female requires two hormonal injections.

The female fish will lay three to four thousand eggs by midday the following day if you release them into the spawning tank in the evening. The producers ought to be fired right away.

It takes a day for the eggs to incubate, but because they are susceptible to fungal diseases, the percentage of healthy eggs is very low. Whitened eggs need to be thrown out.

Once the fry begin to swim, you can begin feeding them live dust. After a week, they can begin to eat brine shrimp and rotifers.

The juvenile fish behave peacefully and do not exhibit hostility toward one another, in contrast to the adult fish.

One can live longer than ten years.

Name Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Common Name Chinese Algae Eater
Origin Southeast Asia
Size Up to 11 inches (28 cm)
Diet Algae, plant matter, and small invertebrates
Behavior Can be territorial, especially as it grows
Tank Size Minimum 30 gallons
Water Conditions pH 6.0-8.0, temperature 72-82°F (22-28°C)
Lifespan Up to 10 years
Compatibility Best with larger, non-aggressive fish

Aquarium enthusiasts frequently choose Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, also referred to as the Siamese algae eater, because of its effective algae-eating habits and gregarious nature. Because it is a natural cleaner, this fish will help keep the algae in your tank looking nice. Its unique markings and slender, snake-like body make it a desirable addition to many aquatic setups.

These fish are a flexible choice for community aquariums because they are generally calm and get along with most tank mates. But it’s crucial to give them lots of room to swim and a diverse diet that includes frozen or live foods as well as algae wafers. They remain active and healthy as a result.

Although Gyrinocheilus aymonieri is a fairly easy species to care for, it’s important to keep in mind that they can get fairly large, so a large tank is necessary. Maintaining a healthy diet and providing regular maintenance will enable these fish to flourish and remain an important part of the ecosystem in your aquarium.

In conclusion, both inexperienced and seasoned aquarists will find the Siamese algae eater to be a valuable addition. It’s an excellent option because of its captivating behavior and capacity to regulate the growth of algae. Gyrinocheilus aymonieri can add vibrancy and benefits to your aquatic environment if given the proper care.

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Olga Vishnevskaya

Biologist by education, aquarist by vocation. Specialization — breeding and care of freshwater aquarium plants. Since childhood I have been fond of aquariums, constantly experimenting with creating biotopes and selecting flora for various types of aquariums. I am sure that green aquariums can transform any interior and improve the quality of life.

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