Siamese Algae Eater vs. Dusky Black-Striped Barb

[Swank]

I just went to the fish store to buy the first goup of fish for my new planted tank. I asked for four Siamese Algae Eaters (they were very small. and very cheap).When I got home, I noticed I got two SAEs and two of something else, so I started reading the Fish Profiles here even more closely, and then followed some links.

According to the Krib I came to believe I had two SAEs and 2 Chinese Algae Eaters.
http://www.thekrib.com/Fish/Algae-Eaters

But then I found this link for Dusky Black-Striped Barbs at Aquaria Central (Barbus eutaenia), they look just like SAEs as far as I can tell, but there's not much info, I can't find much more anywhere else online:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0375&view_records=1

They look ALOT like SAEs, but I want the little algae eating machines. Now I'm bummed...I wanted four SAEs, and now I have 2 CAEs and 2 I don't-know-whats...I'm having a hard time telling if they even have any barbells. I was convinced they were SAEs until I saw that aquaria central article...but even those look lie SAEs...

Any Help on this????? I don't want to get in the habit of bringing home livestock that I ultimately don't want in my tank...

 

[Allivymar]

Ugh. What a PITA.

First off the pic at Aquaria central is wrong; thats a SAE. How do I know? *grin* check this photo out: http://www.azgardens.com/algae_eating_fish.php (the SAE pic; you can click and enlarge). Look familiar? Also, if you check out the drawing of the barb here, you'll see the fin structure and mouth structure is different: http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?ID=11351&genusname=Barbus&speciesname=eutaenia

My guess is someone stole that pic of the SAE from AZgardens, and doesn't even know what they're talking about! Think I'll send AZ an email n let em know...

In the meantime, I would suggest returning the 2 CAEs and insisting on the correct fish; bring a pic to double check the ID before you get em home.

 

[Endgame319]

Yeah, most lfs' dont know thier algae eaters very well. I've never heard of that dusky barb, so its probably quite rare. I'm guessing the other two are SAEs. I would return the CAEs, they grow really large, stop eating algae, and become very aggressive. Do some reasearch on identifying SAEs and then go back to your lfs with a picture. Then you can pick out which ones are true SAEs.

HTH

 

[Swank]

Thanks...that's good advice-about returning them, I mean. I wasn't sure if they'd do that.

I had a hunch that the photo was wrong...but I wasn't sure.

I had considered keeping the CAEs...but after reading the fish profile more closely...I don't think I want them!!

 

[Christmasfish]

Petsmart doesnt take returns unless they are dead and in warranty....
Hope it was a Local pet SHOP!

 

[Swank]

yes...it was the LFS...

 

[smilla4]

The local petsmart here takes live returns as long as you have a receipt. At least they did when I made my returns. They were suprised the animals were alive and healthy, tho. I don't know what the time limit is, if any...

"Warranty" *shudder*

 

[Menagerie]

Bring them back and give them a good lesson on fish identification!!

 

[Swank]

I've already printed out a sheet w 2-pics each of the SAEs and CAEs!!!!!

Thanks, all!