Gyrinocheilus aymonieri Gold/Marbled – 5 to 7 cm

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri Gold/Marbled

The Gyrinocheilus aymonieri Gold/Marbled is a captive-bred form of Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, an Asian freshwater fish particularly recognisable by its sucker-like mouth.

This specialised mouth allows the fish to attach itself to rocks, wood and other surfaces in the aquarium, particularly in areas exposed to water movement.

The specimens offered display golden-yellow to marbled colouration and are approximately 5 to 7 cm in size.

Adult Size

Gyrinocheilus is often sold when very young and its adult size is sometimes underestimated. It can reach more than 20 cm as an adult and therefore requires considerably more space as it grows.

Its potential growth should be taken into consideration before purchase.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 22 to 28 °C
pH: 6 to 8
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water
Nitrite: 0 mg/L

Nitrite should remain undetectable. Clean, well-filtered and well-oxygenated water is recommended.

What Size Aquarium for Gyrinocheilus?

Due to its adult size and active behaviour, Gyrinocheilus requires a spacious aquarium providing plenty of swimming length. The 50 litres sometimes suggested for young specimens is not suitable for long-term adult maintenance.

Rocks, wood and other surfaces on which biofilm can naturally develop can be included in the aquarium.

Behaviour and Compatibility

Young Gyrinocheilus may appear relatively sociable, but their behaviour often changes as they mature. Adults can become territorial towards their own kind and certain other fish.

Keeping them in a group is therefore not essential and requires sufficient space for each individual to establish its own territory.

Particular care should also be taken when keeping them with slow-moving or broad-bodied fish.

Feeding

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri is often sought after for its consumption of algae and biofilm, particularly when young. However, it should not be regarded simply as an aquarium “cleaner”.

Its diet should be varied and complete. It can include vegetable-based foods, suitable bottom-feeder tablets or pellets, together with foods providing an appropriate source of protein.

Its consumption of algae may also decrease with age.

Breeding

Gyrinocheilus is an egg-laying fish. Unlike some loricariids such as Ancistrus, it should not be described as a species that simply breeds in caves.

Breeding remains uncommon in home aquariums.

Origin

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri is native to Southeast Asia, where the species inhabits rivers and other areas with flowing water.

The Gold and marbled forms available in the aquarium trade have been selected for their distinctive colouration.

Lifespan

Under suitable aquarium conditions, Gyrinocheilus can live for around 8 to 10 years, and sometimes longer.

Never Release Gyrinocheilus into the Wild

Aquarium fish must never be released into a river, pond, lake or any other natural environment.