Kuhli Loach (Acanthophthalmus kuhli)
24–27°C · pH 6.5–6.5
£2.99
The Chinese algae eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) is a river grazer in its natural olive-brown colours with a dark side stripe; adults reach about 28 cm. One fish per quantity, for a large mature aquarium at 22–26°C.
Algae EaterAlgae GrazerBottom FeederCommunity TankFreshwater FishGold Chinese Algae EaterGyrinocheilus aymonieriIntermediate Care
Product Details
Size / Volume
One fish per quantity
Species
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Water Parameters
Temperature
22–26°C
22°CIdeal26°C
pH Level
6–8
6Ideal8
Water Hardness
2–20 dGH
2 dGHIdeal20 dGH
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)
Territorial
£7.99
Shoal Pricing
— save up to 30%Shoaling fish: kept in a group they feel safer, stay calmer and show their best colour.
Your shoal
£64.00You save £15.90
Packed with care. Aquarium plants, foods, filter media and supplies are checked, protected and dispatched with product-appropriate packaging.
£19.95 tracked delivery — half price (£9.98) from £100.00, free from £200.00. One delivery charge per order — everything in your basket ships together.
Read our reviews on Google (opens Google Business Profile in a new tab) or see verified buyer reviews and photos. Human support, careful packing and practical aquarium advice.
The Chinese algae eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) is a river grazer in its natural olive-brown colours with a dark side stripe; adults reach about 28 cm. One fish per quantity, for a large mature aquarium at 22–26°C.
Algae EaterAlgae GrazerBottom FeederCommunity TankFreshwater FishGold Chinese Algae EaterGyrinocheilus aymonieriIntermediate Care
Product Details
Size / Volume
One fish per quantity
Species
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Water Parameters
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Temperature
22–26°C
22°CIdeal26°C
pH Level
6–8
6Ideal8
Water Hardness
2–20 dGH
2 dGHIdeal20 dGH
A big river grazer in its natural colours — not a small cleaner fish
The Chinese algae eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) is a grazing fish from rivers of mainland Southeast Asia. This listing is the natural colour form: an olive-brown to gold-tinged body with a dark stripe along the side. A gold form is sold as a separate listing.
Young fish graze algae, but adults grow large (up to about 28 cm) and can become territorial, so plan for the adult fish.
| Scientific name | Gyrinocheilus aymonieri |
|---|---|
| Family | Gyrinocheilidae |
| Origin | Rivers of mainland Southeast Asia |
| Adult size | Up to about 28 cm |
| Temperature | 22–26°C |
| pH | 6.0–8.0 |
| Hardness | 2–20 dGH |
| Aquarium | About 304 litres or more for adults |
| Sold as | One fish per quantity, in the size you choose |
What you receive
Choose the size, then the quantity: one quantity is one live Chinese algae eater.
Aquarium and water
A large, mature aquarium — about 304 litres or more for adults — with strong filtration, good oxygenation, rocks and wood. Keep 22–26°C, pH 6.0–8.0 and 2–20 dGH (Seriously Fish).
Feeding
Young fish graze biofilm and algae; give algae wafers, vegetable-based foods and blanched vegetables, plus some frozen foods. Adults need a varied diet and do not live on algae alone.
Tank mates and behaviour
Best with robust, fast-moving fish of similar size. Adults can harass slow, flat-sided or bottom-dwelling fish; avoid keeping several in a small tank.
Follow the arrival sequence before releasing the fish
Tropical Fish Co’s delivery and Live Arrival Guarantee policy explains the packing and arrival procedure. Livestock is hand-bagged in pure oxygen and placed in an insulated poly box, with a heat pack when the weather calls for it. Someone must be at the address to receive the parcel because live animals cannot be left unattended.
- Receive the parcel in person and start filming before opening it. Show the parcel still sealed with the outer box visible.
- Open the parcel in one continuous take. Keep filming until the fish can be seen inside the sealed bag before anything is disturbed.
- Float the bag for 20–30 minutes so the temperature equalises slowly.
- Do not pour the bag water into the aquarium. Release the fish without adding transport water to the established system.
If a Live Arrival Guarantee claim is required, contact us on the same day with the order number and the continuous unboxing video. Before the parcel arrives, confirm that ammonia and nitrite read zero and that the aquarium matches the water values on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the gold form?
No. This listing is the natural olive-brown form with a dark side stripe; the gold form is a separate listing.
How big does it get?
Up to about 28 cm, so it needs a large aquarium as an adult.
Will it clean my algae?
Young fish graze algae, but adults need a varied diet and can become territorial.
What water does it need?
22–26°C, pH 6.0–8.0 and 2–20 dGH.
Public references
- FishBase: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri — identity, native range and size.
- Seriously Fish: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri — aquarium size, water and behaviour.
- OATA: How to look after tropical algae eaters — aquarium size, diet and water-quality guidance.
- RSPCA aquarium environment guidance — biological filtration and the aquarium nitrogen cycle.
Customer Reviews
No reviews for this item yet. Bought one? Honest reviews only, good or bad.
What customers say about ordering from us
- 4 out of 5Verified buyer
I have a small group of long finned mountain minnows. So was delighted to be able to order ten of this variety to increase the genetics in my tank . The ones I recieved are healthy but it’s to early to give a verdict on wether they are of a long finned type since they are small currently.
Gordon Walker · 23 Sept 2026
- 5 out of 5Verified buyer
100% success travel and "installation". Pleased with quality of purchase. The Siamese fighter a bit "shy" so have not yet seen him at his best yet but looking good. Happy customer. GG
George E Garratt · 21 Sept 2026
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