siamese algae-eater
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Freshwater fish from Asia that feeds on algae and is sold for the aquarium. In Puerto Rico, where it was introduced, it is an exotic species.
Also called: peixe-comedor-de-algas-siamês, peixe-comedor-de-algas, Siamese algae-eater
- maximum
- 28 cm
who is the siamese algae-eater
Freshwater fish of the family Gyrinocheilidae, with an elongated body and a suction-cup mouth. It occurs in Asia, in the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins, and lives in medium to large rivers. It feeds mostly on algae and periphyton, but also on insect larvae and zooplankton. To stay firm in the current, it clings to fixed objects with its suction-cup mouth. Large specimens are sold in markets. It is not a sport fish. It was introduced to Puerto Rico, where it is exotic.
Essential profile. Identification, where it occurs and rules, with data from FishBase and the cited regulations. Season, time of day, technique and bait are added once we have a good source for the siamese algae-eater.
fun facts
- In aquariums, adults are territorial and need groups of five or more individuals.
identification
Elongated fish, with a suction-cup mouth on the underside of the head, used to cling to stones. The pelvic and anal fins have no dark spots; behind the spiracle there is usually a small dark spot, always present. Sometimes there are small tubercles on the side of the head, and large tubercles restricted to the snout.
Loading the next 7 days…
Each card shows the day's index (0 to 100) and, below it, a strip with the index for each hour, from 0h to 23h. from poor to excellent.
Essential profile: the index uses a general fish model (weather, sun, moon and tide), without a season or time of day specific to this species.
where found
Native to Asia, in the Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers, and introduced to Puerto Rico. Not recorded in Brazil.
Habitat: Freshwater, in medium to large rivers and flooded fields, over a firm bottom with current.
rules for the siamese algae-eater
Summary of the regulations we found, with the source for each. Rules change; before keeping or transporting fish, check with the state environmental agency.
We found no species-specific rule beyond the region's general rules.
catch and release
catch and release Releasing the fish alive, quickly and with a wet hand. During a closed season it isn't always allowed: what the regulation says applies.
Not dangerous to anglers. As it is exotic in Puerto Rico, it should not be released in rivers where it does not occur.
how much it weighs without taking it out of the water
Length-weight relationship W = a·Lb (a = 0.00389, b = 3.12; FishBase (relação peso-comprimento bayesiana, estimativa)). It's an average: a fat or lean fish can vary by 10% to 20%.
estimated weight
—
sources and references
Essential profile: size, length-weight, depth, countries and conservation come from FishBase and the cited regulations, and the texts were written from those sources. Season, time of day, sensitivities, technique and baits and lures are not included yet, because we did not find a good source for this species.
- scientific FishBase: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri (ficha da espécie)Size, length-weight, depth, habitat, distribution, biology, and IUCN status. Page checked on Oct 13, 2026.
- scientific FishBase: nomes populares de Gyrinocheilus aymonieriNames by country and language.