Gyrinoheilus – features, types and maintenance rules

Although Gyrinoheilus isn’t the most well-known fish in the aquarium community, it’s still important to know about this species if you want to maintain a colorful and healthy tank. These fish are popular among aquarium enthusiasts because of their unusual appearance and helpful behavior, which is often the reason behind their selection. Not only do they have attractive faces, but they actively contribute to keeping the aquatic ecosystem in balance.

We’ll delve into the world of Gyrinoheilus in this piece, examining the different varieties and what makes them unique. We’ll also go over some crucial maintenance advice to help you maintain their happiness and well-being in your aquarium. Understanding these fish will improve your aquatic setup and guarantee a healthy tank, regardless of experience level.

Prepare to discover all of the amazing characteristics of Gyrinoheilus, including their captivating appearance, unique behavior, and interactions with other tank mates. We’ll also provide helpful tips on how to take the best possible care of these fascinating fish. You’ll know exactly how to incorporate Gyrinoheilus into your aquatic world by the time you’re done.

Feature Details
Scientific Name Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Common Types Golden Gyrino, Chinese Algae Eater
Size Up to 11 inches
Tank Size At least 50 gallons
Diet Algae, plant matter, and occasional protein
Behavior Territorial, especially with age
Water Temperature 72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Level 6.5-7

Habitat and lifestyle

Southeast Asia (Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand) is home to the natural habitat. The Mekong, Dong Nai, and Chao Phraya river basins are home to the fish. Prefers tiny, swift rivers and streams, as well as lakes with clear, clean water that is abundant in submerged vegetation. In areas of the reservoir with good lighting, the fish congregate in schools and forage for plant food by sucking on stones, other underwater objects, and vacuum cleaners.

This is a diurnal species that is quite active. If there is food present, Gyrinoheilus can be found in any layer of water. They may be hostile to other fish species or to one another despite their schooling behavior. The flock’s hierarchy and territoriality are to blame for this.

Aggression rises with advancing years. Young people are generally peaceful and don’t start arguments very often.

Appearance

The fish, which can grow to be up to 25 cm long in captivity, has an elongated, streamlined body that is designed to help it move through the turbulent streams of mountain rivers. The mouth is incredibly large, with plates-shaped bony growths and suckers. This allows the fish to scrape vegetation off of underwater objects by sucking on them.

The two pairs of gill openings on each side are a distinguishing characteristic. Breathing is now possible without opening the mouth. The fish can thus breathe and eat at the same time.

Every fin is strong and broad to resist the current. The tail is sickle-shaped and likewise rather broad. There are two sections to the caudal fin. The scales are tiny and hardly perceptible. Orange, golden, or yellow make up the body color. Gray-green or gray-brown individuals are less prevalent. Compared to the back, the abdomen is noticeably lighter.

The expression of sexual dimorphism is weak. Male spawning heads grow a small growth during the mating season. Compared to females, males have more spines in their mouths.

Even a novice can take care of the fish because its maintenance requirements are not too high.

Aquarium

Because of its schooling, mobility, and territoriality, fish require a large amount of space. Each person should have at least 40–50 liters. You’ll need an aquarium with at least 100 liters for a school of five or six fish. If not, tension will build between them and their level of hostility will rise.

Aquarium lids are essential because gyrinocheilus have a tendency to jump out of the water. Additionally, you must use an aerator and a filter. To make the fish feel comfortable, it is advised to create a strong current in the aquarium. Because water purity is so important, it is changed weekly by 20–30%.

Water parameters

The recommended temperature ranges are 22–28 °C, 6–19 °dH, and 6–8 °pH. Fish essentially stay still, pressing themselves to the bottom when the temperature falls below 20 °C. It may perish if the temperature drops significantly.

The gyrinocheilus is extremely sensitive to nitrates and chlorine, so the water should have a high concentration of oxygen and neither of these substances should be present.

Lighting

The fish inhabits areas of the reservoir with good lighting and has a diurnal lifestyle. That’s why there ought to be an abundance of light. Installing bright lamps with diffused light is a good idea. This is significant for underwater plants as well as gyrinocheilus.

Decoration

This species only stays close to vegetation because it loves it. As a result, the aquarium should have as many plants as possible as décor. The fish does not harm large plants, even though it is a herbivore. Fish need a place to hide from predators or to spend the night if they are in danger. You can build the shelter out of driftwood, ceramics, or stones.

Soil

Using a combination of large pebbles and coarse sand works best. The fish is attracted to the pebbles and will suck on them. Ceramics or large, flat stones can also be added.

Feeding

The fish scrape tiny algae from stones and other underwater objects in order to feed on plant food in their natural habitat. Gyrinocheilus transition to protein diet as they get older, consuming bioplankton, larvae, eggs, and crustaceans. Even the scales and fins of other fish species are edible to them.

Under aquarium conditions, the following products are fed to them:

When cucumbers and zucchini are sliced and tossed into the aquarium, the fish really enjoy sucking on them. Fish food is another method of feeding herbivorous fish. It has every ingredient required for good health.

The food is poured onto the bottom, where it will be picked up by the gyrinocheilus’s large mouth. Large individuals will need to be fed brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, which are animal feed. But in order to avoid overfeeding, do so sparingly and gradually. Every week, a fasting day is scheduled.

Reproduction

High fertility is only found in the natural habitat of this species. It is very challenging to produce offspring in an aquarium. This calls for a sizable tank with a good flow rate and a volume of at least 200 liters.

The illumination is brought down to a low level. The aquarium’s corners are filled with large, broad-leafed plants. Injections of hormones are then required for the females. This calls for specialized knowledge. The water is now between 24 and 25 °C.

The female receives just two injections of hormones. one prior to spawning and the other during spawning. In the spawning tank, there are two males and one female. All of the fish are taken out of the aquarium once the female has spawned and the males have fertilized the eggs. In 30 to 40 hours, the first fry will emerge. They are fed infusoria first. They start giving brine shrimp and rotifers after 7–10 days. It is essential to supply clean water and a high concentration of oxygen at all times. Fry are too susceptible to fungi and bacteria.

The young put on weight and grow quickly. When the young reach six weeks of age, they start eating like adults. The second year of life is when sexual maturity is attained.

Freshwater fish in the genus Gyrinoheilus are well-liked in aquariums because of their propensity to consume algae, which aids in tank cleanliness. The main traits of Gyrinoheilus will be discussed in this article, along with the various varieties that hobbyists can obtain and the crucial maintenance procedures required to maintain their health and well-being. You’ll be in a better position to make sure that these fascinating fish enhance the environment in your aquarium by being aware of their special characteristics and maintenance requirements.

Varieties

There are various kinds:

  • Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus siamensis)

Resides in the basin of Mekong.

It is identified by longitudinal black stripes down the sides and a darker color. Mouth structure varies as well.

  • Marbled Gyrinocheilus

Subspecies characterized by a distinctively mottled body color. Its body is speckled with black dots and features a gray back with dark stripes on the sides.

Lives in mountain rivers in Indochina and on the Indonesian islands. Unlike the common gyrinocheilus, it prefers to feed in the upper layers of the water.

Artificially bred subspecies of the common gyrinocheilus. characterized by a vivid golden hue.

Additionally, a synthetic subspecies with a white body color.

Gyrinoheilus is a favorite choice for many aquarium enthusiasts due to its intriguing combination of traits and adaptability. This species has a lot to offer both novice and expert fish keepers, whether you are drawn to it by its unusual appearance or its practical function in keeping tanks clean.

Gyrinoheilus comes in a few varieties, each with unique characteristics. Gyrinoheilus pustulosus is the most widely kept variety; it is well-known for its tendency to eat algae and for having comparatively simple care needs. Knowing the distinctions between these kinds will enable you to choose the one that best suits your aquarium configuration.

In order to keep Gyrinoheilus in your tank healthy, a few requirements must be met. It is essential to give them a large space, a diverse diet, and routine tank care. These fish do best in well-kept aquariums with plenty of space for movement and grazing. They will remain active and healthy if their surroundings are kept tidy and steady.

In conclusion, because of their adaptive nature and useful ability to consume algae, gyrinoheilus are a great addition to many aquariums. You can appreciate the colorful presence of these fish in your aquatic environment by adhering to the straightforward care instructions and learning about the particular requirements of the various varieties.

Video on the topic

Catfish gerinoheilus

Pid….they with Avtoimport Ryazan took away my UAZ-loaf from me – Kuibyshevskoe shosse, 51 – Oleg Smirnov

Catfish Gyrinocheilus gold – maintenance and breeding!

Aquarium fish.Catfish Gyrinocheilus gold (yellow).

Siamese algae eaters and beard eaters against cladophora. Experiment

🐠Aquass – Gyrinocheilus gold

Gyrinocheilus yellow. About maintenance and care

Gyrinocheilus conditions of maintenance.

What part of aquarium maintenance do you consider the most difficult?
Share to friends
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.

Rate author
InfoProekt24.com
Add a comment