Chinese Golden Algae Eater
Country of Origin: 🇺🇸USAGolden Chinese Algae Eater
Background Information
The Golden Chinese Algae Eater is an albino variant of the Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilos aymonieri). They have been selectively bred over the years to increase their availability and enhance their coloration. Other common names include Chinese Algae Eater, Sucking Loach, Sucking Catfish, and Honey Sucker.
The Golden Chinese Algae Eater is native to Southern Asia particularly Northern India and Thailand. Its natural habitat is large and medium-sized lakes, rivers, and flooded fields where they attach themselves to rocks using their “sucker” mouth where they predominantly live off of algae.
An aquarium of at least 30 gallons is most suitable for this 10-inch fish species. The tank should also include plenty of plants, rocks, and driftwood for hiding. Though it can adapt to various aquarium conditions, water temperatures should be kept between 21°C and 26°C and pH at a range of 6.8 and 7.4.
The Golden Chinese Algae Eater is semi-aggressive towards other fish of its own kind but tends to get along with other fish species. They are however not overly aggressive and only squabble over territory. With proper care, they can live for up to 10 years.
Feeds
The Golden Chinese Algae Eaters are naturally herbivores and primarily eat algae growing on rocks, plants, aquarium glass, and driftwood. If there aren’t enough naturally occurring algae within the aquarium, they can also be fed sinking algae wafers and pellets.
Some other acceptable foods to the Golden Chinese Algae Eater are;
- Crushed spinach or lettuce
- Shelled peas
- Chopped fruit
- Cucumber
Frozen or fresh Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, and Bloodworms can be used as supplements.
Tankmates
The Golden Chinese Algae Eaters are semi-aggressive. They get along with most other fish except fish that are similar to them such as Red-Tailed Sharks and Silver Sharks.
The best tank mates for the Golden Chinese Algae Eater include;
- Characids
- Cyprinids
- African Cichlids
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Golden Chinese Algae Eaters get?
The Golden Chinese Algae Eater usually grows to an average length of four to five inches in captivity and up to 10 inches in the wild.
Are Golden Chinese Algae Eaters aggressive?
The Golden Chinese Algae Eater is semi-aggressive and a confirmed loner that prefers to spend its time alone. In a tank, it will get along with most fish except those that are similar to it as it will be territorial
What fish can be kept with the Golden Chinese Algae Eater?
The best tank mates for the Golden Chinese Algae Eaters are fast-swimming fish species that can get out of the way easily. Peaceful fish species are not recommended as they are likely to be picked on.
The most suitable companions for the Golden Chinese Algae Eater are Characids, Cyprinids, and African Cichlids.
DOA Policy
While this is a rare occurrence, it can and will happen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that every one will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fish arrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag within 2 hours of the delivery time of your fish. We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem.
We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We can replace fish but shipping costs is the responsibilityof the buyer. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures,within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolve the issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
Shipping Policy
Most Shipments will be UPS Next Day Air unless otherwise noted. Processing fish for your order can take up to 2 business days. This is to ensure your fish and healthy, happy, and ready to be put in your tank when it arrives. We ship fish on Mondays- Wednesday (excluding holidays) to ensure fish arrive before weekends. This allows us to completely prepare the fish for shipping and ensure they are healthy prior to arrive at your door. All fish will be shipped with oxygenated water and specific additives in the water to ensure they maintain their health and stability during shipment. Depending on the species of fish and current weather conditions, the fish may arrive with a heat pack or ice pack to maintain the optimal temperature which further ensures the health and safety of your fish. All costs of shipping (postage, packaging,heat/ice packs, etc.) are included in the Shipping fee. We ship to only the continental United States.
FAQ
"The fish I received do not look like the fish in thepicture. Why is this?"
- We typically take photographs of one or two fish when we initially get them in. Since we have a large quantity of most of the various species of fish, it would be understandably impossible to provide a picture ofevery individual fish with a specific species. For some of our more rare orlarger fish, the picture listed may be the actual fish that you are receiving.If this is the case, it will be designated by ?WYSIWYG?, meaning ?what you see,is what you get?.
"What happens if my fish arrive dead?"
- While this is a rare occurrence, it can and willhappen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that everyone will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fisharrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag.We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem. We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We will reship any replacement fish at the buyer's expense. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures, within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolvethe issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
"What if I'm not home when the fish arrive?"
- We will always provide you with a tracking number. While the fish are packaged to survive about 72+ hours within the shipping containers, we do ask that you make arrangements to arrive home to inspect your fish as soon as possible after they are delivered to your home. Itis always suggested to provide an area for the delivery person to place the boxthat is out of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
"What do I do with my fish once I've unpacked them?"
- Like you would with any new fish, let the entire bag float in your tank for 15-30 minutes. This allows the temperature withinthe bag to adjust to the same as your tank and will reduce temperature shock onthe fish. After this time, you can add all of the fish and water that is in thebag into your tank. The products used within the water for shipping will notharm any existing fish within your tank and actually makes the transition foryour new fish a bit easier. After this, expect your new fish to take a few daysto become fully adjusted, this includes hiding, floating at the top, sinking tothe bottom, and not eating. After a few days, your new fish should be acting aswimming like they normally would. At this point, enjoy your aquarium!
"I want to return my new fish because x,y,z?"
- Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns.We do recommend contacting us via email with yourorder number and as much information as possible. We will try to assist you inresolving whatever the issue may be.