As a pet fish, the Chinese algae eater is sometimes kept in aquarium to control algae. Though in the wild they feed exclusively on algae, in the aquarium there is some controversy on the effectiveness of the algae eater fish. While they are young, they may be effective. But as they grow, they prefer consuming fish food instead of algae.

Gyrinocheilus is the single genus in the family Gyrinocheilidae, a family of small Southeast Asian cypriniform fishes that live in fast-flowing freshwater mountain streams. They hold on to fixed objects using a sucker-like mouth, and feed exclusively on algae. There are three species. The two other Gyrinocheilus species, the spotted algae eater and the Borneo algae eater, are rarely seen in the aquarium trade. Members of this single-genus family, along with some other cypriniform fishes, are called algae eater fish; as a distinct name for the family, sucking loaches is often used.

Suckermouth
The mouths of these fishes have developed into a suckermouth. This allows the fish to cling onto objects in the fast-moving water of their habitat. This allows them to stay close to the bottom where their primary food, algae, is more readily available.

Members of this family also have developed their gill slits so that each consists of two openings. There is one opening in the slit where water enters, and another where the water leaves. This allows the fish to breathe without having to take water in through the mouth, which it would be using to cling to surfaces.

Pet fish care
It can range up to 28 cm in length, but as pets fish, it tends to be under 10 cm. It has a reputation for becoming increasingly jealous of its territory as it matures, and also can be aggressive to fish, especially slow, flat-bodied fish. In the home aquarium, the algae eater fish makes a poor tank mate. It is very aggressive and boisterous They often attack other pet fish and rip off scales, causing infection. This pet fish rarely swims to the surface as it likes to be on the bottom of the tank. It is very hardy and can survive in semi-dirty water, plus a wide range of temperatures, 60 - 90°F, allowing it to be sometimes kept in unheated aquariums indoors. Similar to the Pleco, Chinese algae eaters tend to hide in caves when they are not feeding. If a cave is not available for them to hide in, they will attempt to make one themselves by digging under large rocks or against the walls of the aquarium.

Similar fishes
As algae eater fish is a common name for several fishes, gyrinocheilids can be easily often confused with other species. Most notably is the Siamese algae eater, Crossocheilus siamensis, which belongs to family Cyprinidae.

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