Golden Sucking Loach
Golden Sucking Loach

Golden Sucking Loach - Gyrinocheilus aymonieri 2-3cm

from £3.30

The Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, commonly known as the Golden Sucking Loach, Chinese Algae Eater, or Honey Sucker, is a hardy freshwater fish native to the rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Laos.

The golden variety is a selectively bred colour morph featuring a vibrant yellow-gold body instead of the wild-type's mottled brown colouration.

These fish possess a distinctive underslung sucker mouth specifically adapted for attaching to surfaces and grazing algae, growing to an impressive 20-28 centimetres in length in aquarium conditions.

Young specimens are excellent algae-eaters, working tirelessly across glass, rocks, and décor, making them popular choices for controlling algae growth in community tanks during their juvenile stage.

However, Golden Sucking Loaches undergo a significant personality change as they mature, becoming increasingly territorial and aggressive, particularly towards flat-bodied fish.

Adult specimens often lose interest in algae and develop a problematic behaviour of latching onto the sides of other fish to feed on their slime coat, which can cause serious injury or stress.

They require substantial swimming space (minimum 200 litres) and can become highly aggressive towards their own species and similar-looking fish.

Their diet should transition from primarily algae-based to include algae wafers, spirulina flakes, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein from bloodworms. Due to their eventual size and aggressive tendencies, they're best suited to larger, robust fish-only aquariums rather than peaceful community settings.

With proper care, they can live 10-15 years, though their changing temperament makes them a challenging long-term commitment best suited to experienced aquarists prepared for their adult behaviour.

Qty:

The Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, commonly known as the Golden Sucking Loach, Chinese Algae Eater, or Honey Sucker, is a hardy freshwater fish native to the rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Laos.

The golden variety is a selectively bred colour morph featuring a vibrant yellow-gold body instead of the wild-type's mottled brown colouration.

These fish possess a distinctive underslung sucker mouth specifically adapted for attaching to surfaces and grazing algae, growing to an impressive 20-28 centimetres in length in aquarium conditions.

Young specimens are excellent algae-eaters, working tirelessly across glass, rocks, and décor, making them popular choices for controlling algae growth in community tanks during their juvenile stage.

However, Golden Sucking Loaches undergo a significant personality change as they mature, becoming increasingly territorial and aggressive, particularly towards flat-bodied fish.

Adult specimens often lose interest in algae and develop a problematic behaviour of latching onto the sides of other fish to feed on their slime coat, which can cause serious injury or stress.

They require substantial swimming space (minimum 200 litres) and can become highly aggressive towards their own species and similar-looking fish.

Their diet should transition from primarily algae-based to include algae wafers, spirulina flakes, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein from bloodworms. Due to their eventual size and aggressive tendencies, they're best suited to larger, robust fish-only aquariums rather than peaceful community settings.

With proper care, they can live 10-15 years, though their changing temperament makes them a challenging long-term commitment best suited to experienced aquarists prepared for their adult behaviour.

Scientific name: Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (Note: The gold variety is a color morph of this species)

Common name: Gold Sucking Loach,

Adult Size: 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm)

Temperature Range: 64 to 77°F (18 to 25°C)

pH Range: 6.0 to 8.0

Compatibility: Generally peaceful and suitable for community tanks, but can be slightly territorial with their own kind

Minimum Tank Size: 200 liters, but a larger tank is better for a group

Originates from: East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea

Ideal Substrate: Fine sand or small, smooth gravel

Ideal Tank Mates Suggestions: Peaceful fish such as Tetras, Barbs, Danios, and other small, community fish. They can also coexist with larger faster swimming fish, peaceful fish.

Fish to avoid: Slowing swimming fish with larger bodies

Diet: Omnivorous; they will eat a variety of foods including high-quality sinking pellets, live food, and frozen food. They are also known to eat algae and can help keep the tank clean.

Breeding: Gold Sucking Loaches are egg layers, but breeding them in captivity can be challenging. They typically scatter their eggs on plants or other surfaces. Providing dense plants or spawning mops can help protect the eggs and fry from being eaten by adult fish.