The
Chinese Algae Eater (
gyrinocheilus aymonieri), also sucking loach, has a suckermouth which allows the fish to cling onto fixed objects in fast-moving mountain streams. Algae is the primary food of this bottom-dwelling tropical fish, though when kept in a freshwater aquarium, they won't eat algae as soon as they become used to commercial fish food. The aggressivity of Chinese algae eaters, especially to each other and against the same-colored fish, are well-known. It has been reported that they can even attack and kill other fish in the tank, by sucking their skin and causing fatal infection. Still, they are very popular in the fishkeeping market, and there are many fishkeepers who report that Chinese algae eaters are very compatible with some other fish including Bettas, gouramis, cichlids, and angel fish.
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