Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Sucking Loach is a bottom-dwelling fish. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Sucking Loach?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 11" (≤ 28 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 80 US gal (304 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Beginner
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- Bottom dweller
- Temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)
- pH
- 6–8
- GH
- 2–20 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 15 years
- Group behavior
- Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context
Care requirements
Care level: Beginner.
Lifespan: up to 15 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 80 US gal (304 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6–8, GH 2–20 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Sucking Loach is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Sucking Loach should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Aufwuchs grazer: supplement prepared feeds with small animal foods and vegetables; not a self-sufficient algae cleaner.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 80 US gal (304 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Cambodia, China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Sucking Loach get?
Sucking Loach reaches ≤ 11" (≤ 28 cm). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.
What aquarium size does Sucking Loach need?
Use an aquarium of at least 80 US gal (304 L) or larger / ≥ 59.1" (≥ 150 cm) minimum length.
Is Sucking Loach peaceful?
Sucking Loach should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive behavior can limit companion options.
What temperature is suitable for Sucking Loach?
Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.
Should Sucking Loach be kept alone or in a group?
Sucking Loach: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
