Sucking Loach

COMMON NAMES: Sucking Loach or Chinese Algae Eater.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri.

DESIGNATION: Tropical.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Thailand.

SIZE: Up to 25 cm (9.8 in), usually much smaller.

WATER PREFERENCES: Not critical, but well-aerated water is preferred. Temperature: 21-28°C (70-82°F), although temperatures up to30°C (86°F) can be tolerated.

DIET: Most foods are accepted, but the dietshould be predominantly vegetarian.

BREEDING: No details of successful aquariumspawnings are available.

DESCRIPTION: While a shoal ofSucking Loaches will do a good job in keepingencrusting algae under control, thereputation of this species as an efficientbiological method of algae control is somewhat exaggerated.

Some individuals can be aggressive, scraping off body mucus from other tank inhabitants.

Despite the second common name cited above, G. aymonieri os not found in China.