Gyrinocheilus aymonieri var.

A Little More Information...

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri var., also called Chinese Algae Eater Albino, is an albino variety of the well-known Chinese algae eater. Its pale coloration and red eyes contrast with the wild form while retaining the elongated body and adhesive mouth suited to holding onto surfaces. Native to several river basins in Southeast Asia, this fish occurs in flowing, well-oxygenated water. Despite its reputation as a cleaner, it often becomes more territorial as it matures and should not be selected only for algae control. A spacious aquarium, moderate current, and varied diet are important for long-term health and stable behavior.

General species description

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri var. belongs to the family Gyrinocheilidae and represents a captive-bred, depigmented form of Gyrinocheilus aymonieri. It is a bottom- and mid-water fish that can attach to rocks, glass, and décor with its ventral sucker-like mouth. Juveniles readily graze algae growing on surfaces, while adults become more omnivorous and may seek protein-rich foods. Its behavior can also change with growth: a juvenile may appear peaceful, whereas an adult is more likely to defend space. It is best kept in a well-structured aquarium with shelters and efficient filtration. This variety is very common in the aquarium trade.

Geographic origin and habitat (reference countries: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam)

The species is associated with river basins in mainland Southeast Asia, including the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Mae Klong systems. It occurs in rivers, tributaries, and current-swept areas where rocks and wood provide surfaces covered with biofilm. Natural habitat is generally clear to moderately turbid, well oxygenated, and affected by seasonal changes in water flow. Banks may support dense vegetation, while the streambed is typically composed of stones, gravel, and sand. In an aquarium, stable, warm, well-circulated water is more suitable than stagnant conditions. The albino variety retains the same general requirements as the natural form.

Precise range and local name

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri occurs in several river networks across the Indochinese Peninsula rather than being restricted to one waterway. In the aquarium trade, it is mainly sold as Chinese algae eater, Chinese algae eater or golden algae eater; these trade names are not necessarily traditional local names. The word “Chinese” can be misleading because the widely recognized natural range lies mainly farther south, in continental Southeast Asia. For a community aquarium, the trade name matters less than understanding its adult behavior and potential size. The term Albino refers to its reduced pigmentation, not to a separate species.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is elongated, streamlined, and slightly flattened, with a robust head and a ventral mouth adapted for adhesion. The albino variety ranges from cream to pale yellow, sometimes with a pinkish tone, and has red or ruby-colored eyes. The fins may be translucent, while the caudal peduncle remains well developed for holding position in current. In the natural form, a dark longitudinal stripe is often visible; in albino fish it is greatly reduced or absent. The mouth functions as a sucker, but Gyrinocheilus aymonieri var. does not feed exclusively on algae. Its most important aquarium characteristic is the development of territorial behavior in large adults.

General diet

Young fish graze on biofilm, soft algae, and microorganisms covering rocks, glass, and wood. This natural food should be supplemented with algae-based wafers, blanched vegetables, and a complete diet suitable for bottom-dwelling fish. With age, the species readily accepts richer foods and may eat leftovers, frozen foods, or preparations containing animal protein. It should therefore not be considered a complete algae-control solution. Regular feeding reduces competition and may limit attempts to rasp mucus from slow-moving fish. The priority is a varied diet that is mainly plant-based for juveniles.

Essential data

• Native river: Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Mae Klong river basins
• Local name used: Chinese algae eater; Chinese algae eater in the aquarium trade
• Origin of the scientific name: The genus is built from Greek roots; the species name is dedicated to Aymonier
• Full-name etymology: Gyrinocheilus roughly means “tadpole lip”; aymonieri honors Aymonier
• Common or vernacular names: Chinese algae eater, golden algae eater, Chinese algae eater albino
• Family: Gyrinocheilidae
• Subfamily: No commonly used subfamily
• Name pronunciation: dji-ri-no-KAY-i-luss ay-mo-nee-AIR-ee
• Discovery: Julien Tirant, 1883
• Maximum adult size: About 28 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 22 to 28 °C; approximately pH 6.0 to 8.0
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Flowing, well-oxygenated water with rocks, gravel, wood, and riparian vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Asian cyprinids of similar size, peaceful loaches, robust danios, and non-territorial midwater fish
• Temperament and behavior: Usually more tolerant when young; territorial and sometimes quarrelsome as an adult, especially toward similar-shaped fish
• Water depth: Shallow to medium-depth sections of rivers and tributaries
• Sexual dimorphism: Limited; mature females may have a rounder body
• Bottom structure and flow: Rocks, gravel, sand, and wood, with moderate to strong flow and good oxygenation

In your aquarium

To keep Gyrinocheilus aymonieri var. successfully, provide a mature, spacious, well-filtered aquarium with moderate current, rocks, and several shelters. Stable water around 22 to 28 °C, regular plant-based feeding, and consistent water changes are essential. Do not treat it as a simple cleaner: its growth and adult behavior should determine the choice of tankmates. Pay particular attention to interactions with calm, slow-moving, or broad-bodied fish. Thoughtful husbandry allows aquarists to enjoy its albino coloration and grazing behavior while still meeting its actual long-term needs.