Sucking Loach

Gyrinocheilus aymonieri

Sucking Loach is a bottom-dwelling fish.

AggressiveBottom dwellerBeginner

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

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
77–82°F (25–28°C)
pH
6–8.5
GH
4–25 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 15 years

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 25–28 °C, pH 6–8.5, GH 4–25 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.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

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.
  • Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

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.

Asian Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus siamensis Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Black Sharkminnow Labeo chrysophekadion Same temperament Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 35.4" (≤ 90 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Amanda Jane Corydoras Corydoras amandajanea Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Araguaia Corydoras Corydoras araguaiaensis Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 70–79°F (21–26°C)

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 25 to 28 °C.

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