Golden algae eater

A Golden Bottom Dweller with a Big Appetite for Algae

The Golden Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) is a striking, selectively bred colour variant of the Chinese Algae Eater, displaying a warm golden-yellow body in place of the wild-type's olive-brown colouration. An active and hardy bottom dweller, the Golden Algae Eater is an efficient grazer of soft green algae on glass, rocks, and decor — and its bright colouration makes it one of the more visually appealing algae control options available.

Best suited to larger, established aquariums where it has plenty of territory and algae to graze on.

Overview

Algae Eating Behaviour

• Effective grazer of soft green algae, film algae, and green spot algae on glass and hard surfaces
• Most active algae eater as a juvenile — adults may become less focused on algae and more territorial
• Uses a specialised sucker mouth to rasp algae from surfaces without needing to stop swimming to breathe
• Not effective against black beard algae (BBA) or hair algae — pair with a true SAE for broader algae control

Important Behaviour Note

As the Golden Algae Eater matures, it can become increasingly territorial and may harass or attach to the sides of larger, slow-moving fish (such as discus, angelfish, or goldfish) to rasp their slime coat. This behaviour becomes more pronounced with age. Best kept with active, similarly-sized tankmates and provided with ample space and hiding spots to reduce aggression.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
• pH: 6.5 – 7.5
• General Hardness (GH): 5 – 15 dGH
• Tank Size: 150 L (40 gallons) minimum; larger is better given their adult size and territorial nature
• Filtration: Moderate to strong flow; well-oxygenated water preferred
• Decor: Caves, driftwood, and flat rocks for territory and shelter; open grazing surfaces appreciated
• Cover: Tight-fitting lid recommended — capable jumpers

Diet & Feeding

• Primary: Algae grazing on tank surfaces and decor
• Supplement: Sinking algae wafers, blanched zucchini, cucumber, and spirulina-based foods
• Treats: Occasional sinking pellets or frozen bloodworms

Supplement regularly — do not rely solely on tank algae for nutrition, especially in clean, well-maintained aquariums where algae growth is limited.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

• Active, similarly-sized community fish — danios, barbs, larger tetras, and rainbowfish
• Avoid slow-moving, flat-bodied, or long-finned fish (angelfish, discus, fancy goldfish)
• Avoid keeping multiple Golden Algae Eaters in smaller tanks — territorial conflicts are common

The Golden Algae Eater is a bold, eye-catching, and hardworking addition to larger community aquariums — just be mindful of its temperament as it grows.