Individual Fish Description Page

This page will give a completely detailed profile of the selected fish, from A to Z. The profiled fish will be chosen randomly by Badman, and will come from the complete genre of tropical fish. I will try to update the profile on a monthly basis. If you have a specific fish you want profiled please vote for it in the favorite fish poll on the main index page. Please don't forget to let us know you experiences with this fish by filling out the form on the main profile page.

Photo from: "Atlas of Aquarium fish" by, TFH.

Overview:

The very common algae eater. I believe it received this name due to its sucking disc. In my experience I have found them to be a poor algae eater. Nevertheless they are an interesting addition to your aquarium.

Quick stats:

size:	Up to 10 inches usually much smaller
tank:	30 inches
strata:	all, but not in open water.
pH:	6.0 to 8.0
Hardness:	Soft to hard
temperature:	75o to 782o f

Classification:

Order:	Cypriniformes
Sub-order:	Cyprinoidei
Family:	Gyrinocheilidae
Genera:	Gyrinocheilus

Chinese algae eater, Indian algae eater, Algae eater, Sucking loach

Found in streams of Indohina and central Thailand.

Long and cylindrical with a down facing mouth. The mouth has thick lips with many folds that form a sucking disc. This disc helps the fish feed on algae. It is also the basis of its common name. The Dorsal fin is well developed with nine protruding soft rays. The Anal, Ventral and pectoral fins are all rounded. The Caudal fin has a deep fork.

The sides are a burnt yellow, with a Brown stripe running down the length of the body. This stripe is commonly broken up into spots. The eye is also Yellow. The tail and dorsal fins may have some small spots at the base and the general coloration is clear. The back is Brown. The coloration of this fish is not set and is quite variable.

The tank should be heavily planted and have a fairly strong currant. This will closely mimic its natural habitat. An easy fish to care for, they are vegetarian in nature but will accept flake food supplemented with algae wafers. Some say they are a fantastic algae eater and will make short work of any found in your tank. Younger specimens are suitable for a community set up. As they get older then tend to become more and more aggressive among themselves and even other tank inhabitants. One interesting adaptation of this fish is in its respiration. When it is attached to a rock or other object with its sucking disk the water for respiration enters through a small hole in the upper corner of its gill slit. This way the fish can stay attached in strong currents. Not the best choice in algae removal or community set ups this fish should be purchased with caution.

Found in moving water among the vegetation, rarely seen in standing water.

Little is known of the sexing of these fish. Breeding has occurred, but only accidentally.

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