Gyrinocheilus is the single genus in the family Gyrinocheilidae, a family of small Cypriniformes that live in fast-flowing freshwater mountain streams. The species in this genus are commonly called . They hold on to fixed objects using a sucker-like mouth, and, despite the name, feed on a wide range of detritus, rather than simply on algae. A "golden" variety of G. aymonieri, the Chinese algae eater or "sucking loach", can be found in many pet shops and fish farms.
The Chinese algae eater is sometimes kept in aquarium to control algae. It can range up to in length and has a reputation for becoming increasingly territorial as it matures, and can also be aggressive to other fish, especially slow, flat-bodied species. In the home aquarium, the Chinese algae eater generally makes a poor tank mate. It can be very boisterous, and when improperly fed, has been known to attack other fish and rip off scales, causing infection. It rarely takes food from the surface of the water as it is a Demersal fish species, and as such an appropriate sinking food should be provided. It is very hardy and can endure water conditions that would be toxic to many other aquarium fish, but it should never be kept in such conditions intentionally. Thriving over a wide temperature range, , it is frequently kept in unheated indoor aquariums in some climates.
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