Gyrinocheilus

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Gyrinocheilus
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Gyrinocheilidae
T. N. Gill, 1905
Genus: Gyrinocheilus
Vaillant, 1902
Species

See text

Gyrinocheilus 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] A "golden" variety of G. aymonieri, the Chinese algae eater (CAE) or "sucking loach" can be found for sale in many pet shops and fish farms.

Sucker

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]

The CAE is sometimes kept in aquaria to control algae. It can range up to 11 inches (28 cm) in length and has a reputation for becoming increasingly jealous of its territory as it matures, and can also be aggressive to other fish, especially slow, flat-bodied species. In the home aquarium, the CAE generally makes a poor tank mate. It can be very boisterous, and when improperly fed, has been known to attack other fish and rip off scales, causing infection. It rarely takes food from the surface of the water as it is a demersal species, and as such an appropriate sinking food should be provided. It is very hardy and can endure water conditions that would be toxic to many other aquarium fish, however it should never be kept in such conditions intentionally. Thriving over a wide temperature range, 64 - 86F (18° - 30°C), it is frequently kept in unheated indoor aquariums in some climates. However, an ideal aquarium for this species should be maintained at 77 - 82F (25° - 28°C), the temperature range it is found living at in nature.

Though in the wild they feed exclusively on algae, in the aquarium there is some controversy on the effectiveness of the CAE. 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.

A Golden sucking loach.
A striped Chinese Algae Eater.

Species

Similar fish

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