Whenalgae are present in the tank, Chinese algae eaters are one of the best cleaners to use.
Chinese algae eaters arehardworkingInhardy, two of the best qualities a fish can have!
Beginners and experienced keepers alike benefit from their easy care and maintenancehuge appetite.
But despite these great benefits, there are also some serious onesconsto add this fish to your aquarium.
At a glance
| Minimum Tank Size: | 50 gal (190 liter) |
| Temperature: | 75-80°F (24-26°C) |
| Lifespan: | up to 10 years |
| Behaviour: | semi-aggressive |
| Maat: | 5 inch (13 cm) |
| pH: | 5,5-8,0 |
| Hardness: | 8-12 dKH |
| ammonia: | 0 ppm |
| Nitrite and Nitrate: | 0 ppm |
Appearance, size and lifespan
The Chinese Algae Eaters(Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)are slender and long freshwater fish.
They can also be calledhoney suckersInsucking loaches, both names referring to their mouths. They have a suction cup, like many other algae eaters like theSiamese algae eaters.
She, howeverdon't have beardsofspines, some common featurescatfishIncomparable algae eaters.
They are onelight brownin color, almost brown, withdark spotsalong the female edge.
Their fins are small, narrow and yellowish in color. The dark spots continue down the fins, although they grow considerably smaller and closer together.
Chinese algae eaters are not the most glamorous fish in the world.
But for keepers who want the efficiency of this fish with an added aesthetic flair,Albino Chinese algenetersare a perfect choice. These varieties are a lively,solid gold in color.
They can grow up to5”and need quite a bit of space for themselves to spread out and forage for food. Giving them more space is also a precaution.
They can grow close by12" in the wild, so it's possible that your algae eater will grow an inch or two larger than the norm for captive breeds.
It can be difficult to tell males and females of this species apart.
While both males and females will still be slim and tall,femalestend to beslightly thickerInrounds.
However, these are not obvious differences and females can easily be confused with healthy or large males.
A more reliable way of determining sex is toobserve them during the mating season. Males will develop a kind of horn on their heads, which the females will lack.
With proper care and nutrition, these fish can live it up10 years.
Many keepers have reported that Chinese algae eaters actually live longer when kept in good conditions.
That's a decade or more of consistent cleaning, making them well worth the investment. However, it is also a serious commitment.
Few other algae eaters (or even fish) can live that long. Make sure your aquarium is properly set up for a Chinese algae eater.
Temperament and behavior
Chinese algae eaters are praised for their ability to clean tanks in a short time.
However, they have some drawbacks. One of the biggest drawbacks to owning this fish is that it issemi-aggressive towards fish that are the same size.
These fish are toonot inclined to educationor other social behavior.
So in addition to disliking fish of their own size, they don't like fish of their own species. They may even view other Chinese algae eaters as a potential threat.
If housed together they are likely to fight. This means that theyonly bottom dwellers in your aquarium!
In the lower levels below thesubstratethey can search for algae without interruption and adhere to surfaces.
When left to their own devices and housed with compatible fish, Chinese algae eaters can actually be quite peaceful.
Compatible tank matesare those that aresmaller in sizeInfast moving. They should also not have flat bodies for the Chinese algae eater to cling to.
For these reasons, fellow tankmates love itangel,goldfish, and other similar fish are not recommended.
Besides needing their own territory, these algae eaters are best known for, well, eating algae!
They will happily focus on inspecting surfaces around the tank for food all day long. It can be quite entertaining to watch them devour a piece of algae or efficiently search the substrate.
Natural habitat
Given the name, most people would think that this algae eater originated in China. However, it is more commonly found inThailand,Laos, InVietnam.
In these countries, they inhabit warm and fast-flowing rivers and lakes made up of sand, driftwood, and some vegetation.
During specific seasons, the water can overflow and become muddy.
To avoid being pulled downstream, the Chinese algae eater makes sure to stay along the bottom of the bed.
Here there are many rocks and other obstacles to soften the flow of the water. They can also serve as anchors for this fish, which can use its mouth for more than eating algae.
Their strong suction nozzles can easily be used on different surfaces andhold for hours.
Next to thempowerful mouth, Chinese algae eaters also have oneprotective slime layeron their body.
Combined, these two features can quickly make it difficult to pull these algae eater off a surface once locked. This is frustrating for predators and aquarists alike.
Basis tankopstelling
For the Chinese algae eater you needat least 50 litres.
When housed in a community aquarium, you will need to upgrade the tank size significantly.
If you want to keepother bottom dwellers, the gallon size should be at least doubled to avoid aggression problems.
This is especially true if you plan to keep more than one Chinese algae eater.
Required equipment for Chinese algae eaters
The territorial aggression makes long tanks better choices for this fish than tall tanks.
They are also better because it is easier to create strong water movement at all levels, which the Chinese algae eaters prefer.
To set up an aquarium for this type of algae eater, you will need the equipment below:
- Filtration:It doesn't matter if you choose oneCOOKER,canister, ofany other type of filter; you can't go wrong with this fish. The stronger it is, the better! Heavy water movement and strong intake or exhaust are no problem for Chinese algae eaters. And if you have a water filter that doesn't create a strong current, that's a problem that can be easily solved with the next device.
- Water movement:buy a pump,wavemaker, or other devicecreate a current in your tankis recommended for Chinese algae eaters. Sheprefer fast-flowing waterthat will reach them even in the lower levels of the tank. This will also stimulate their natural docking behavior which is a marvel to behold. However, you need to make sure that they also have enough anchors and cover.
- Heating:Since these aretropicalfreshwater fish, you need onestrong heatingfor tanks with Chinese algae eaters. They have a small range of acceptable temperatures, but all temperatures are over70 °F. For larger tanks it is recommended to have two heating elements. Turn both on to heat the tank more easily, or set one to a lower temperature to turn on if the primary heater fails.
- Relief:It is not absolutely necessary to have live plants as silk fake plants can also attract algae. However, most fish prefer live fish and it also has additional benefits for the aquarium. So if you opt for a planted aquarium, you have onelighting systemthat can support your plants. Look for one that is at least 6000K and can reach the bottom of the tank, not just the upper levels.
- CO2 setting:If you have live plants, you can also consider investing in a CO2 setup. CO2 is also available in liquid dosage form and DIY canister kits, but these usually cost more money in the long run because they require frequent replacement or maintenance.Pressure systems are the most cost effectivelong term option if you want to provide carbon dioxide to your plants.
- Substrate:This is not technically a device, but it is just as important. To replicate the river or stream bed your Chinese algae eater prefers, you will need a sandy substrate. You should also invest in an abundant amount of smoothrocks of all sizes(from pebbles to serious stones). Just to be on the safe side, throw in some extra caves and hiding places, and your Chinese algae eater will be happy.
Collecting these gear will make your tank as ready as it gets for Chinese algae eaters.
Waterparameters
It is easy to meet the preferred water parameters of Chinese algae eaters, despite the relative narrowness of the ranges.
- Temperature: These fish should be kept in 75-80°F water.
- pH range: ApH rangefrom 5.5 – 8 is acceptable.
- Hardness: Make sure the water stays within 8 – 10 KH.
Ammonia, nitrites and nitrates should be kept as close to 0 ppm as possible.
Weekly water changesof at least 25% are required.
Food and Diet
As you've probably guessed, the main component of the Chinese algae eater's diet is algae.
However, due to the efficiency of this fish, algae will soon become scarce.
Combined with regular tank maintenance and water changes, there may not be enough naturally occurring food in the aquarium for your algae eater.
Therefore, it is recommended to supplement the diet of this fish with a varietyOther foods. Chinese algae eaters are not picky and will eat almost anything. This includes:
- Artemia
- Bloodworms
- Tubifex
Live, freeze-dried and deep-frozen foods will all be wiped out in seconds.
You can also feed your fishsinking algae wafers, which is a treat they're sure to appreciate.
They will probably even accept flakes and pellets. However, these are not nearly as nutritious as meaty foods.
Summary of Chinese Algae Eaters
Chinese algenetershave serious advantages and a few major disadvantages,depending on how an aquarist is feeling.
These fish are voracious eaters that will diligently clean your tank until it sparkles. They love algae and will continue to eat it even after they reach adulthood.
Moreover, they areeasy to care forInnice to watch.
However, they aresemi-aggressive.
They attack other Chinese algae eaters and bottom dwellers and may go after fish of similar size.
Therefore, they should only be housed with fish smaller than themselves.
This is a clear setback. Their appearance, longevity and size can also be turnoffs for some hobbyists.
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FAQs
Chinese Algae Eater Care: Complete Guide (with Tank Setup and Diet)? ›
Bloodworms, Daphnia, Moina, and brine shrimp are all great sources of protein suitable for these fish. If you find that your fish don't have enough algae in the tank or are starting to lose interest in eating them, then you can renew their interest by feeding them algae wafers.
What should I feed my Chinese Algae Eater? ›Bloodworms, Daphnia, Moina, and brine shrimp are all great sources of protein suitable for these fish. If you find that your fish don't have enough algae in the tank or are starting to lose interest in eating them, then you can renew their interest by feeding them algae wafers.
How hardy are Chinese Algae Eaters? ›Chinese algae eater care is fairly easy. They are very hardy fish species and don't get ill easily. However, they are not compatible fish for community tanks. That's because they are pretty large in size as adults and prefer solitude.
What do algae eaters eat in a fish tank? ›Like most other algae eaters, Siamese Algae Eaters will enjoy occasional additions of blood worms or dried fish food in addition to aquarium algae or algae wafers as their mainstay.
Do Chinese Algae Eaters need driftwood? ›I've used this food with great success for many years, and algae eaters love them. Also, to keep these fish healthy, you absolutely must provide them with driftwood to rasp on in their aquarium. Driftwood provides much needed fiber in their diet, and they can sicken and even die if there isn't any driftwood available.
How often should algae eaters be fed? ›Feeding Guide
Feed twice a day. To accommodate the slower feeding habits of most algae eaters, feed the amount of food your fish will consume within two hours.
If there aren't enough naturally occurring algae within the aquarium, they can also be fed sinking algae wafers and pellets. Some other acceptable foods to the Golden Chinese Algae Eater are; Crushed spinach or lettuce. Shelled peas.
Do algae eaters eat dead plants? ›In the following we'd like to present you some algae-eating aquarium inhabitants, mostly invertebrates like snails and shrimp. Using them has several advantages: besides algae, these animals also eat muck, food rests, dead plant parts and sometimes even dead animals.
How big will a Chinese Algae Eater get? ›The average Chinese Algae Eater size can get around 10 or 11 inches in length when fully grown. Sometimes in captivity, they can be a lot smaller (usually around 6 inches) if you place them in the minimum recommended tank size. What is this?
What is the most peaceful algae eater? ›Bristlenose Plecostomus (Bristlenose plecos)
Not unlike the Siamese Algae Eater, the Bristlenose Plecos is known for its ability to chomp its way through algae while peacefully living alongside a range of other species.
Do algae eaters need algae wafers? ›
If plan to keep bottom feeders or algae eaters in your tank you may need to supplement their diet with algae wafers. It is common practice for freshwater aquarium hobbyists to add bottom feeders and algae eaters like corydoras catfish and plecostomus to their tanks to help control algae build-up.
Do algae eaters need special food? ›Algae eaters (plecostomus) require ample amounts of vitamins and minerals in their diet in addition to algae and vegetable matter. Many of these vitamins and minerals are not present in algae grown in an aquarium.
How do you keep algae eaters alive? ›Many so called algae eaters live in water that is quite fast flowing. This means they need reasonably high flow in the aquarium that we make their home. Low oxygen levels and dirty water are very likely to kill these fish. Hillstream loach species are frequently sold as algae eaters for coldwater or temperate tanks.
Do Chinese algae eaters eat hair algae? ›They are known to eat most types of string and hair algae, such as the commonly found green hair algae. Some hobbyists claim they can even tackle the dreaded black beard algae, making them perfect additions to planted tanks.
How long do algae eaters live? ›Siamese algae-eaters can grow up to 15 centimetres (6 inches) within two years, and live for over 10 years in optimal conditions. They are valued in the aquarium trade for being the only known fish species to consume red algae, including 'black brush' or 'beard' algae.
Does overfeeding fish cause algae? ›Algae bloom – Algae growth is one of the most common problems seen in aquariums. The number one cause is overfeeding. Unsightly blue-green and red algae multiply when there are large quantities of dissolved organic material, nitrates and phosphates in the water. Which is common when fish are overfed.
Can too much fish food cause algae? ›Decomposing fish food also offers a place for mold and fungus to grow. Excess food causes a rise in nitrate and phosphate levels, which contributes to increased algae growth. Poor water quality also stunts your fishes' growth, causing their colors to fade and lowers their resistance to disease.
Do algae eaters eat leftover fish food? ›If there is enough algae and dead plant matter to keep them busy, they will keep to themselves. They have also been known to eat fish eggs and leftover food.
What else can algae eaters eat? ›The Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) is a more gregarious and tolerant cyprinid that ranges up to 15 cm (5.9 in). It is one of the only fish that will graze on "black brush algae" (freshwater Rhodophyta, or red algae), but even so will eat anything else in preference.
What fish cleans the tank? ›
Suckermouthed catfish like Common and Sailfin Plecos, Bristlenose and Otocinclus all graze algae and will “clean” the tank of it, but they do also need food in their own right if they are to grow, stay healthy and thrive.
Will my Chinese Algae Eater eat snails? ›Shrimp and Snails:
This fish can suck the snails out of their shells. It is possible to keep them with shrimp or snails when they are young and small. Unfortunately, this fish grows very fast, and soon you will need to constantly monitor them to ensure that they are free from possible harm.
In addition to eating algae, they will consume uneaten food and fish waste. Corydoras catfish: Corydoras catfish are great at keeping the bottom of the tank clean. They will eat algae, uneaten food, and fish waste.
What eats mold in aquarium? ›Fish that like to eat white algae include Siamese algae eaters, Barbs, Mollies, American Flagship, Danios, and Chinese algae eaters. As for snail recommendations, Sun snails or Nerite snails are good ones.
Do algae eaters need other fish? ›Some algae eaters will eat or attack other fish in the aquarium if they don't have sufficient nutrients and living space. If they don't have enough food, they will seek meals elsewhere; many algae eaters will want to eat the slime coat off their tank mates, which is fatal for smaller types of fish.
Do Chinese algae eaters get lonely? ›Chinese Algae Eaters need quite a lot of space and will get stressed if they are crammed into a small space with too many fish as they prefer to be alone. They require a minimum 50 gallons per fish. It's best to give them extra space if possible as they can sometimes grow larger than expected.
How many algae eaters can be in one tank? ›Add no more than 3 algae eaters at a time to make sure the filter can handle all the new action in the neighborhood. The chemical balance in your aquarium will change with every new fish you introduce, so check the tank's pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels regularly.
How can you tell if an algae eater is male or female? ›Male Vs. Female Algae Eaters
An adult male Chinese algae-eater will develop tubercules or "horns" on the nose. An adult female will have a much thicker and rounder body than a male, whose body is thin and narrow.
There are many different types of algae out there, but they all have the same basic requirements. First and foremost, algae need water in order to thrive. Next, algae need plenty of light.
What pH level do algae eaters like? ›Siamese Algae Eaters can grow up to about 6 inches (16cm) and hence require a tank of at least 30 gallons for better results. Water temperature should be between 75°F and 79°F and a pH range of between 6.5 and 7.0.
Do algae eaters eat all algae? ›
Not all organisms eat all types of algae, however, and it is critical to choose the type of algae eater that will make meals of the specific algae in your tank. The most common algae eaters include snails, shrimp, clams and even some fish, such as specific types of catfish or plecos.
How many algae wafers should I put in my tank? ›We would recommend one of the wafers every couple of days. You could even break it in half and feed one half per day, if you prefer. As to the other fish, feed once or twice a day, and 1 pieces of food (flake, pellets, whatever) per INCH of fish.
Do algae eaters eat bloodworms? ›You'll need to feed plecos algae wafers too. Plecos are omnivores, so you can also feed them meat, like shrimp and bloodworms, as well as vegetables including zucchini and kale.
Do algae eaters eat snails? ›Will Algae Eaters Eat Snails? It is possible for algae eaters to eat snails. Plecostomus are bottom-dwelling scavengers that tend to eat a variety of foods, including snail eggs and meat. However, not all types of algae eaters will consume snails, as some prefer fresh vegetation or prey of a smaller size.
Why isn't my algae eater eating algae? ›The most common reason is that your pleco has become lazy. Just as humans, they don't really like putting in too much effort. If you feed your pleco every day, it might just not feel the need to actively search for algae. We also see that most young fish and pleco babies seem to care about eating algae.
How do I know if my algae eater is hungry? ›Well I can tell you how to tell if he's hungry you can look at his belly when he's on the glass if its caved in a lot then that means he's hungry. Yes there is hikari and some other brands make algae wafers that sink to the bottom and most plecos love and its more balanced nutrition for plecos.
How long can an algae eater live without a filter? ›How Long Can Plecos Live Without a Filter? Plecos can live for up to 2 hours without a filter. These guys produce a lot of waste, so it's important to make sure their tank is well-aerated, and they have access to clean water.
What kills algae growth? ›Chlorine is still one of the most effective killers of algae so doing a super-chlorination of 10-20 ppm of chlorine can go a long way towards wiping out the algae. Liquid chlorine is an ideal shock for algae because it is fast acting and does not add cyanuric acid (CYA) or calcium to the water.
Why is my Chinese Algae Eater hiding? ›Many, if not most fish that are called "sucker fish" (plecostamus, algae eaters, etc.) in the aquarium trade are predominantly nocturnal (active at night) or crepuscular (active in low light of dawn and dusk) creatures. Most hide during the daytime to avoid predators or other contact with organisms in the environment.
What is the difference between Otocinclus and Chinese Algae Eater? ›The most significant differences between a Siamese algae eater and Otocinclus are their size, eating preferences, and morphology. The Siamese algae eater is more prominent than all species of Otocinclus, growing up to 6 inches long compared to the high-end 2.1 inches of Otocinclus.
Will my Chinese Algae Eater eat my shrimp? ›
They reach a length of up to 10 inch and they eat baby-shrimps.
How long can algae live without sunlight? ›Since Algae is like most plants that thrive off sunshine, depriving them of light will prevent and/or eliminate its growth. The key is to completely shade the tank or aquarium from light for several days (A minimum of 4 day and a maximum of 7 days).
Do algae eaters eat bacteria? ›In 2013, Museum Curator Eunsoo Kim and colleagues were the first to provide definitive proof that green algae also eat bacteria, showing alga sought out energy from gobbling up other organisms in addition to converting light into food through photosynthesis.
Do algae eaters bury themselves? ›Plecos are known to bury themselves on occasion. Especially common plecos do this, and they are known to dig their own breeding holes in the mud.
How many Chinese algae eaters should I have? ›It's generally recommended to keep only one Chinese Algae Eater in the tank as they are natural loners and can show aggression even to their own species.
What can I feed my Chinese algae eater? ›These fish will appreciate the addition of live or frozen foods as well, and they can be fed bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia and brine shrimp. Chinese algae eaters tend to only take their food from the bottom or midsection of their tank, so it's important to offer them sinking foods.
Does algae grow faster in light or dark? ›Light: Algae needs light energy to grow. The more sunlight that penetrates the area, the higher the chance for algae to sustain life. Nutrients: Nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, fuel algae growth.
Are you supposed to feed algae eaters? ›Assuming the fish is successful in removing the algae, it will need to be fed. A lot of people believe that because these fish eat algae, they don't need to be fed anything else and will simply survive on the algae in the tank. Nothing could be further from the truth.
What kind of food does algae need? ›Algae are aquatic photosynthetic organisms that grow by consuming carbon dioxide, light, and nutrients, and include organisms that range in diversity from giant kelp and seaweed to microscopic single-cellular algae.
Are Chinese algae eaters bottom feeders? ›Chinese Algae Eaters spend most of their time being bottom-feeders and scavenging for food in the lower part of their habitat.
Do Chinese algae eaters eat string algae? ›
They are known to eat most types of string and hair algae, such as the commonly found green hair algae. Some hobbyists claim they can even tackle the dreaded black beard algae, making them perfect additions to planted tanks.
Does overfeeding cause algae? ›Algae bloom – Algae growth is one of the most common problems seen in aquariums. The number one cause is overfeeding. Unsightly blue-green and red algae multiply when there are large quantities of dissolved organic material, nitrates and phosphates in the water. Which is common when fish are overfed.
What 4 things do algae need to bloom? ›While bloom formation is waterbody specific, the most common factors for bloom formation are timing, nutrients, temperature, light, and stable conditions.
What does algae need to thrive? ›Algae are typically photosynthetic, meaning they need carbon dioxide and sunlight to grow – just like plants. The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Bioenergy Technologies Office is researching how algae can take advantage of waste carbon dioxide emissions and hosted a public workshop on this topic in May.
What does algae thrive on? ›Thick layers of algae, called algal blooms, may form when nutrients (mainly phosphorus and nitrogen) build up in the water in amounts in excess of naturally-occurring nutrients. Fertilizers, pet waste, improperly functioning septic tanks, grass clippings, leaves, and other yard wastes are all sources of nutrients.
What's the lifespan of a algae eater? ›Siamese algae-eaters will often school together, but are also content living solo. When two are kept together, they will often establish their own territory as they mature. They can be a long living fish, with reports of lifespans up to ten years.
What is the life span of an algae eater? ›These fish will appreciate the addition of live or frozen foods as well, and they can be fed bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia and brine shrimp. Chinese algae eaters tend to only take their food from the bottom or midsection of their tank, so it's important to offer them sinking foods.