Black & Gold Sucking Loach Medium Large
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🐟 Black & Gold Sucking Loach Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gyrinocheilus aymonieri |
| Common Name | Black & Gold Sucking Loach, Chinese Algae Eater (color morph) |
| Origin | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia) |
| Adult Size | 15–28 cm (6–11 in) depending on strain |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years |
| Temperament | Juveniles: peaceful, good algae eaters |
| Adults: semi-aggressive, territorial | |
| Tank Level | Bottom to mid-level |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 150+ liters (40+ gallons) for adults |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness | 5–15 dGH |
| Substrate | Sand or smooth gravel |
| Decor | Driftwood, rocks, strong water movement, hiding caves |
| Lighting | Moderate |
| Filtration | Strong; fish prefers high-oxygen, well-filtered water |
Tips:
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Provide strong water flow; they’re from fast-moving rivers.
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Juveniles eat algae well; adults eat more protein and may stop grazing.
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Keep only one per tank unless the aquarium is very large—adults become territorial.
🔹 Diet
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Type: Omnivorous (algae + protein)
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Best Foods: Algae wafers, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach), frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp).
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Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily; supplement veggies regularly.
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
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Juveniles are peaceful; adults can become territorial, especially with slow fish.
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May “suck” slime coats of flat-bodied or slow-moving fish as they mature.
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Works best in tanks with faster mid-level swimmers and no slow bottom dwellers.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
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Barbs (tiger, rosy, gold)
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Danios
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Larger tetras
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Rainbowfish
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Loaches (in large tanks only)
⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With
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Angelfish and discus
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Bettas or gouramis
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Slow or long-finned fish
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Other algae eaters (territorial overlap)
🐣 Breeding Info
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Very difficult in home aquaria; usually commercially bred.
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No known parental care in captivity.
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Fry require micro-foods and clean, oxygenated water.
🌿 Fun Facts
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Their mouth is specialized for clinging to rocks in strong currents.
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One of the most misidentified fish in the hobby—often confused with true “plecos.”
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Juveniles are excellent algae eaters, but adults switch to a more omnivorous diet.
