[delta66]

Compatibility

Largely unsuitable for the general community aquarium though this does not mean to say it must be kept alone, rather that tankmates must be chosen with care. While small specimens tend to be quite peaceful some develop increasingly aggressive patterns of behaviour as they grow, particularly towards similarly-shaped species such as Crossocheilus, Epalzeorhynchos or Garra. Long-finned or slow-moving fish are often targeted, too. Botia eos, Syncrossus spp. and other robust loaches make better companions.

Other bottom-dwelling fish including cichlids and most catfish are best avoided as they may be picked on and we have even seen this species attaching itself to the flanks of larger/slower-moving tankmates in order to feed on the body mucus. For the upper levels choose active species such as Barilius, Opsarius, Danio, Devario, Puntius or Rasbora. If adult the Gyrinocheilus should be the last fish added to the tank in order to avoid it claiming ownership of the entire space.

Keeping a group is one way to reduce interspecific aggression but at least half-a-dozen or more should be purchased because they will develop a distinct pecking order and in lesser numbers weaker individuals are more easily targeted. It goes without saying that a very large tank would be needed in order to attempt such a project.

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