Chinese Algae Eater (CAE)
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Sold widely as a small, peaceful algae-eating juvenile, the Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) undergoes a drastic behavioral and dietary shift as it matures. Growing up to 25cm (10 inches), adults stop eating algae, become highly territorial, and are notorious for attacking slow-moving, flat-sided fish (like Angelfish, Discus, and Goldfish) to feed on their nutrient-rich slime coat. Best kept in fast-flowing river setups with robust, fast-moving tank mates.
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) At a Glance
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) Tank Requirements
Will Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) Water Parameters
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) Temperament & Compatibility
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard Adult
The mature, standard-color form. Highly territorial towards its own kind and other bottom-dwellers. Requires a large tank and should absolutely not be housed with slow-moving or flat-bodied fish due to slime-coat feeding.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type CAE, Adult CAE
Juvenile (Grow-out)
The common retail size. At this stage, they are relatively peaceful and efficiently consume algae. WARNING: They grow very fast and will transition into aggressive, slime-coat-eating adults.
Differs in 6 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby CAE, Small Algae Eater
Golden / Albino (Adult)
A popular xanthic (gold/yellow) morph. While it looks different, it shares the exact same aggressive behavioral traits, large adult size, and slime-coat-eating tendencies as the wild-type adult.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Golden Algae Eater, Lemon Algae Eater, Albino CAE
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) Care Guide Summary
The Chinese Algae Eater (CAE), scientifically known as Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, belongs to the Other family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 25 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard Adult, Juvenile (Grow-out), and Golden / Albino (Adult). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Chinese Algae Eater (CAE), a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels.
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) Is Actually For
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) is best for a fishkeeper who expects a species with attitude and plans the tank around that behavior and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially smooth gravel.
The most common mistake is buying Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Chinese Algae Eater (CAE).
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Algae Eater (CAE)
How big does Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) get?
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 25 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Chinese Algae Eater (CAE). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) need?
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) peaceful or aggressive?
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 8 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Does Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) benefits from smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- April 28, 2026
- Last updated
- April 28, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Plants That Suit Chinese Algae Eater (CAE)
These plants pair well with Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
Madagascar Lace Plant
Aponogeton madagascariensis
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Fish Similar to Chinese Algae Eater (CAE)
Flying Fox
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
A striking, torpedo-shaped bottom dweller often confused with the Siamese Algae Eater. While they eat some algae when young, adults are primarily omnivores that become notoriously territorial and aggressive, especially towards their own kind, similar-looking fish, and other bottom dwellers. They are best kept as a single specimen in a community of mid-to-top swimming fish.
Common Pleco
Hypostomus plecostomus
A heavily armored, nocturnal catfish famous for eating algae. However, they grow incredibly large, produce massive amounts of waste, and frequently outgrow standard aquariums. They require driftwood in their diet for digestion. As they age, they may become territorial or develop a taste for the slime coat of slow-moving, flat-bodied tank mates.
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
A highly popular, hardy, and relatively small suckermouth catfish. Excellent algae eaters that stay much smaller than Common Plecos, making them suitable for standard aquariums. They require dietary wood (driftwood) to aid in digestion and plenty of hiding caves.
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
Famous for being one of the few freshwater fish that actively consumes Black Beard Algae (BBA). A torpedo-shaped, active bottom-to-midwater swimmer native to Southeast Asian streams. True Siamese Algae Eaters feature a distinct black horizontal stripe that extends all the way through the tail fin. As they mature, they can become lazy, preferring prepared foods over algae, and may occasionally chase other bottom dwellers.
Vestitus Otocinclus
Otocinclus vestitus
Otocinclus are among the smallest and most peaceful algae-eating catfish in the aquarium hobby. They are strictly herbivorous, constantly grazing on soft green algae and biofilm on plants and glass. They are highly social and must be kept in groups. Crucially, Otocinclus are notoriously sensitive to newly setup aquariums and require mature, stable water conditions with plenty of surfaces to graze on.
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
Garra cambodgiensis
A cyprinid native to fast-flowing streams in Southeast Asia. It is notoriously sold misidentified as the true Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus). Unlike the true SAE, its black lateral stripe stops at the base of the tail fin rather than extending through it, and it features a yellowish stripe above the black line. It is an excellent biofilm grazer but does not eat Black Beard Algae as effectively. They require highly oxygenated water and become very territorial with conspecifics as they age.