Gyrinocheilus

Gyrinocheilus
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Gyrinocheilidae
Genus: Gyrinocheilus
Vaillant, 1902
Species

G. aymonieri
G. pennocki
G. pustulosus
Golden version of Gyrinocheilus aymonieri

Gyrinocheilus, also Chinese algae eater or sucking loach, is the single genus in the family Gyrinocheilidae, a family of small Southeast Asian cypriniform fishes that live in fast-flowing freshwater mountain streams. They hold on to fixed objects using a sucker-like mouth, and, despite the name, feed on a wide range of detritus, rather than simply on algae[1]. There are three species; gyrinocheilus aymonieri, gyrinocheilus pennocki, and gyrinocheilus pustulosus, with the gyrinocheilus aymonieri being the fish commonly sold in the aquarium trade.

Contents

Sucker

The sucker mouth of Gyrinocheilus aymonieri

The mouths of these fish have developed into a suckermouth. This allows the fish to cling onto objects in the fast-moving water of their habitat. They therefore stay close to the bottom where their primary food, algae, is more readily available.

Uniquely among fish, members of this family have gill slits with two openings each. Water enters through one opening, and leaves through the other. This allows the fish to breathe without having to take water in through the mouth, which it uses to cling to surfaces.[1]

In the aquarium

The Chinese algae eater, Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, is sometimes kept in aquaria to control algae. It can range up to 11 inches (28 cm) in length. It has a reputation for becoming increasingly jealous of its territory as it matures, and also can be aggressive to fish, especially slow, flat-bodied fish. In the home aquarium, the algae eater makes a poor tank mate. It is very aggressive and boisterous; they often attack other fish and rip off scales, causing infection. It rarely swims to the surface as it likes to be on the bottom of the tank. It is very hardy and can survive in semi-dirty water, plus a wide range of temperatures, 60 - 90F (16° - 32°C), allowing it to be sometimes kept in unheated aquariums indoors. Similar to the Pleco, Chinese algae eaters tend to hide in caves when they are not feeding. If a cave is not available for them to hide in, they will attempt to make one themselves by digging under large rocks or against the walls of the aquarium.

Though in the wild they feed exclusively on algae, in the aquarium there is some controversy on the effectiveness of the algae eater. While they are young, they may be effective. But as they grow, they may develop more of a taste for processed foods and consume those instead. Some aquarists also report large specimens attacking and consuming smaller fish, such as Neon Tetras.

The two other Gyrinocheilus species, the spotted algae eater and the Borneo algae eater, are rarely seen in the aquarium trade.

Similar fish

As "algae eater" is a common name for several fish, gyrinocheilids can be easily often confused with other species. Most notably is the Siamese algae eater, Crossocheilus siamensis, which belongs to family Cyprinidae.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Banister, Keith F. (1998). Paxton, J.R. & Eschmeyer, W.N.. ed. Encyclopedia of Fishes. San Diego: Academic Press. p. 100. ISBN 0-12-547665-5.