Chinese Algae Eater

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri

Also known as: CAE, Sucking Loach

Sold as an algae eater, but grows large, eats less algae with age, and may suck slime off other fish.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

72–82°F

pH

6.5–8

Hardness

8–20 dGH

Max size

10 in

Min tank

55 gal

Temperament

Aggressive

Social

Solitary

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

8-10 years

Breeding

Egg-scatterer

Suitability

Kept but not recommended

Origin

Southeast Asia

Young CAEs eat some algae, but as adults they become large, territorial, and known to latch onto flat-bodied fish to rasp their slime coat. A bristlenose pleco or true SAE is a far better cleanup choice.