Why is my Chinese Algae Eater chasing and attacking other fish?

As they mature, Chinese Algae Eaters become highly territorial. Furthermore, their diet shifts away from algae, and they often attempt to latch onto the sides of slow-moving fish to feed on their nutritious slime coat.

Do Chinese Algae Eaters eat brown algae or black beard algae?

They may graze on soft brown diatoms as juveniles, but generally prefer green spot algae and biofilm. They will not eat tough black beard algae, and will largely abandon algae eating altogether as they mature.

How big do Chinese Algae Eaters get?

While often sold at just 3 to 5 cm, they can reach up to 28 cm in the wild. In captivity, they frequently exceed 15 cm and become thick-bodied, requiring a remarkably large tank.

Can I keep multiple Chinese Algae Eaters together?

It is generally not recommended unless the tank is exceptionally large (over 400 litres) with abundant line-of-sight breaks. Mature CAEs are aggressive and deeply intolerant of their own kind.

Why does my algae eater hide all the time?

They naturally seek out caves and crevices to feel secure from predators. Ensuring they have plenty of hiding spots actually reduces stress and encourages them to venture out more when foraging.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Chinese Algae Eater

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri

A widely sold algae eater that transforms from a peaceful, industrious juvenile into a large, highly territorial adult with a reputation for harassing tank mates.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 8
Hardness: 5 – 19 dGH
Adult size: 15 – 28 cm
200 Litres (Adult): 200 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: Moderate to High
Preferred setup: River biotope with smooth rocks, sandy or fine gravel substrate, and sturdy driftwood.

About the Chinese Algae Eater

The Chinese Algae Eater is one of the most misunderstood fish in the aquarium trade. Sold cheaply as juveniles to clean algae, they frequently outgrow their welcome and their owners' tanks. Despite their common name, they do not originate from China, but rather from the river basins of Southeast Asia. While brilliant cleaners in their youth, their behaviour and dietary preferences change drastically as they mature.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Chinese Algae Eater comes from

Native range

Southeast Asia, Mekong Basin, Chao Phraya Basin, Mae Klong Basin

Countries / regions

Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam

Habitat

Fast-flowing rivers, streams, and flooded forests with rocky or sandy substrates.

Ironically, this species does not naturally occur in China.

Similar species

Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
Flying Fox
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus spp.

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Fast-moving mid-water swimmers that easily evade the bottom-dwelling Algae Eater.
Great
Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
Occupy the top of the water column and are far too agile to be bothered by adult CAEs.
Great
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
Will share the same bottom space; highly territorial adult CAEs may chase and stress peaceful bottom dwellers.
Compatible with caution
Discus
Symphysodon spp.
Slow-moving with a large surface area; adult CAEs are notorious for latching onto them to strip their nutritious slime coat.
Not recommended
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Like Discus, their flat-sided bodies and gentle swimming pace make them highly vulnerable to slime-coat grazing attacks.
Not recommended

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