Sucking loach - Gyrinocheilus aymonieri

Long known as an excellent algae eater in aquaristics, the wild form of the sucking loach, Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, also cuts a really good figure and keeps the aquarium spick and span. Its scientific species name is derived from the Greek words gyrinos for "tadpole" and cheile for "lip". With their considerable possible final size of almost 25 cm, their acquisition should be chosen carefully. Our animals are between 3-10 cm in size when we hand them over.

Originally native to Southeast Asia, loaches, which are considered a food fish there, live in large groups and come from flowing waters with strong currents. And they are perfectly adapted to this life: with their imposing and conspicuously large mouths, the animals suck themselves onto stones and roots without being carried along by the current and nibble off algae coverings in the process. Due to their increased oxygen demand, a similar possibility should be replicated in the aquarium. It is ideal for a biotope aquarium with a large current.

Since the loach is often said to be a bad fish , we would like to dispel this prejudice: loaches are schooling fish that should be kept in groups. We therefore recommend keeping them with at least 7 mates. Since it is a character fish with a corresponding social structure, which it lives out within the species, it can become a disgusting fish if kept alone. Ultimately, however, this behavior results only from the fact that their needs were not taken into account. If these are taken into account, the loach is a pleasant contemporary, which has the potential to become a family fish for generations with a possible age of up to 21 years.

Sucker loaches feature a spindle-shaped and slightly high-backed body with a gray-brown base color that is darker and spotted on the back, and lighter on the belly. An ochre brown lateral line separates the two colors. An iridescent sheen is on their scales. The fins are transparent, the mouth terminal.

Sex differentiation is difficult, as is breeding in the aquarium.

The Sucking loach makes hardly any demands on its water in the aquarium, which is why it can also be optimally maintained by beginners. It tolerates soft to hard water at a temperature between 22 and 28°C, whereby it prefers 24°C the most. The aquarium should ideally not fall below 450 liters and have many roots and stones, as well as stone structures (secured against falling over, as the animals like to dig), so that the sucking loaches have enough space to hide and get out of the way. When young, loaches live together more often, and as they get older they form their own territories, which they occupy and defend. As mentioned, the aquarium must have a strong current.

Sucker loaches are excellent for socializing, even with shrimp and other peaceful fish. Large fish, such as discus, are unsuitable, however, as the loaches may attach themselves to them and seriously injure them.

Apart from algae, sucking loaches in the aquarium also eat dry food in the form of food tablets, food chips or food granules for herbivorous fish, algae leaves, vegetable chips such as zucchini and pumpkin, but also scalded vegetables such as nettles, spinach or cucumber. Apart from that, they also do not miss a meaty sample in the form of live or frozen food such as mosquito larvae, artemia, grindalworms or artemia.
 

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfish Feed for all growth eating fish in the aquarium is a balanced tablet food that does not cloud the water and the fish like to eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes, which provide sucking catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration. As a snack, supplemental food or vacation food we recommend CatfishPlates.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.