

ALGAE EATER – CHINESE GOLD
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
$6.99 – $39.99
The Gold Chinese Algae Eater is an ornamental strain of the wild-type Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri). With an elongated yellow-gold body, the Gold Chinese algae eater may be one of the most popularly selected fishes for community aquariums though they are generally unsuitable for this setting. Typically sold at juvenile sizes that do mind their own business, great consideration needs to be given for their size, lifespan and temperament potential as adults. Reaching an adult size of approximately 10″ that can live upwards of 12 years, Gold Chinese algae eaters can become quite territorial, especially toward similarly shaped fish. A Gold Chinese algae eater would do best in a very active aquarium of larger-sized tank mates, avoiding certain bottom dwelling species that could be subjected to being “grasped” onto by a Gold Chinese algae eater to feed off of its slime coat. Keeping one Gold Chinese algae eater per aquarium works out best long term. There is considerable variation among individuals in the intensity of “gold” coloration.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: With Caution
General Description: The Gold Chinese Algae Eater is an ornamental strain of the wild-type Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri). With an elongated yellow-gold body, the Gold Chinese algae eater may be one of the most popularly selected fishes for community aquariums though they are generally unsuitable for this setting. Typically sold at juvenile sizes that do mind their own business, great consideration needs to be given for their size, lifespan and temperament potential as adults. Reaching an adult size of approximately 10″ that can live upwards of 12 years, Gold Chinese algae eaters can become quite territorial, especially toward similarly shaped fish. A Gold Chinese algae eater would do best in a very active aquarium of larger-sized tank mates, avoiding certain bottom dwelling species that could be subjected to being “grasped” onto by a Gold Chinese algae eater to feed off of its slime coat. Keeping one Gold Chinese algae eater per aquarium works out best long term. There is considerable variation among individuals in the intensity of “gold” coloration.
Diet Requirements: Gold Chinese algae eaters are primarily herbivores, feeding on various algae, film and microfauna. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based flake foods containing Spirulina, sinking pellet foods and algae wafers (occasional) are ideal. Offering blanched pieces of zucchini and cucumber, or raw romaine lettuce and peas, would be an excellent treat for these algae eaters. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish. Gold Chinese algae eaters may scavenge on some protein based foods, however their intake should be limited to avoid prolonged health issues.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small Gold Chinese algae eater. A more mature specimen will require a larger aquarium. Gold Chinese algae eaters are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and should not be added into a brand new aquarium given that their food source would be obsolete. Gold Chinese algae eaters thrive best in more turbulent, well oxygenated water. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a fine substrate, larger pebble stones and driftwood to replicate a river or stream environment, however Gold Chinese algae eaters are not very fussy when it comes to aquarium decor. Gold Chinese algae eaters will not typically eat your live plants, though some accidential damage to soft-leaved plants has been observed. Recommended water conditions, 76-80° F, KH 8-10, pH 6.0-8.0.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/4” to 1-1/2”, Large: 2” to 2-3/4”, XLarge: 3” to 4”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.
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