The Chinese Algae Eater is not in fact from China. These are great handlers of green algae (but only green algae) as juveniles and has sparked their popularity.
Scientific Name: Gyrinocheilus Aymonieri
Common Names: Chinese Algae Eater, Indian Algae Eater, and Sucking Loach
Region: Thailand and India
Maximum Size: 11″ (27cm)
PH Range: 6.0-7.5
Hardness: 2-12dh
Temperature: 73-82*F (23-28*C)
Environment: Planted tanks as juveniles with hiding places and bogwood.
Feeding Habits: Some Green Algae (but will outgrow this), flake, blood worms, veggies
Distinguishing Sex: None Known
Behavior: Territorial and Aggressive
Breeding: Darn near impossible. I have never heard of anyone breeding them.
Lifespan: 10 years plus
The Chinese Algae Eater is not in fact from China; leave it to the English-speaking world to ignore geography. These are great handlers of green algae (but only green algae) as juveniles and has sparked their popularity. This comes at a price. As the CAEs age they ignore the algae and focus on the provided food and become very aggressive. The CAE got it’s nickname as the sucking loach as the adult CAE will often attach itself to other fish in the aquarium, especially flat slower fish, taking large chunks out of the host.
If you decided CAEs are good for your tank, you need to be prepared for their adult characteristics. They will chase of any fish they believe to be in their territory and become very large (up to 11″).
Discerning the CAE from the SAEMy Rankings:
Price: 10
Value: 4
Hardiness: 9
Community: 3
Activeness: 2
Appearance: 5
Overall: 5.5
Sources:
http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/algeater.htm
http://www.aquatic-gardeners.org/cyprinid.html
http://www.thekrib.com/Fish/Algae-Eaters/
http://www.mongabay.com/fish/cyprinds.htm
http://www.fishprofiles.com/profiles/fw/bottomfeeders/cae.asp
http://www.myfishtank.net/freshwaterprofiles.php?profile=64
http://www.aquariacentral.com/fishinfo/fresh/aeater.shtml
Last update: 2006-02-06 08:51
Author: BearFan
