A true Siamese Algae Eater Fish will have a long body with a ragged looking black horizontal stripe on the sides of the fish. Unfortunately, it can injure the other fish and lead to parasitic infections. That number is assuming you only have one Chinese Algae Eater in your aquarium. In these waters the fish stay stationary in their habitat by latching onto smooth rocks.You can recreate a powerful water flow with a good pump. Hobbyist's initially purchase the Chinese Algae Eater for it's ability to keep algae under control, but soon find them to be both a useful and interesting fish to keep. In terms of shape, the fish have long slender bodies and very small fins. It will also seasonally migrate to muddy waters and flooded coastal areas.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',115,'0','0'])); You should aim to recreate their natural habitat in your tank to keep them stress-free. Invest in some testing equipment and analyze the water regularly to ensure that conditions fall within the following parameters. Scientifically, these fish are known as … The technically accepted name is the Siamese Algae Eater, but most places I’ve seen call them the Chinese Algae Eater. Direct the outlet towards the side of the tank to keep the water circulating at all times. This makes them a fish that’s better suited for aquarists who are interested in making a reasonable commitment. Our aim is to help educate anyone who wants to keep fish. In the wild algae is their main source of nutrition. But, that doesn’t mean that your fish are immune to health problems. They are mostly found in the lakes and rivers that are present in Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. One of the most prevalent is Ich. Most specimens have a golden or pale brown body. Sometimes, you can reinvigorate their interest in algae with wafers. Females are slightly fatter, and males develop breeding tubercles on their head when mating. These colors are common in the home aquarium too, but there is another popular variety. An aquarium with plenty of plants, rocks, and driftwood is recommended for hiding places. CAE will feel fine in any tank if it has several shelters. They can get territorial when grown so be sure to give ample space and spots for them to hide around. Most of their time is spent in the lower levels of the tank, where they attach themselves to surfaces around the aquarium to feed on any algae they find. The state the fish was in when you purchased them matters a lot too. The biggest concern is their aggression, as they may attack other similar fish. Its long forked tail and vibrant color are all good reasons why. The Chinese Algae Eater, alias Honey Suckers, Sucking Loach, Gyrinocheilus aymonieri (its scientific name) is a freshwater fish – be sure to check out for these names too in stores. They have a small dorsal fin with several firm rays, giving it a somewhat spiky appearance. One of the cruelest tricks of the aquarium trade was naming the Gyrinocheilus aymonieri as an algae eater. We look forward to hearing from you! For the juveniles, a tank of 26 US gallons (100 liters) is pretty enough, for grownup species a tank of fifty-two US gallons (200 liters) and greater is required, particularly if you have a team of fish in the tank. On their head is a sucker mouth with pronounced lips which lets them latch onto surfaces for feeding. The Chinese Algae Eater has an elongated body and an underslung mouth that forms a sucking disk perfect for anchoring to hard surfaces in fast-moving water. Chinese algae eaters are an energetic fish that spends most of its time on the bottom. supports HTML5 video, In our article below we cover everything you need to know when caring for Chinese Algae Eaters, including ideal setups, perfect tank mates, healthy diets and much more…. Sometimes they’ve mistaken for the Siamese Algae Eater, but you can tell the difference when you pay attention to the details. The typical Chinese Algae Eater lifespan is around 10 years. They inhabit waterbodies like lakes, rivers, streams, and flooded fields. The Chinese Algae Eater is a unique fish that you wouldn’t expect to be a popular choice among aquarists. Chinese Algae Eaters are also prone to bloat. The water conditions will need to be kept perfect and their diet should be highly nutritional. The Chinese Algae Eater comes from Asia and has a slender body and is golden to brown in color. It mostly is herbivorous but also takes insect larvae or zooplankton. He is also a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Marine Aquarium Societies of North America and the Nature Conservancy. While they spend time at the bottom of the water column, you don’t need powerful lights to keep them happy. They are sometimes kept in groups, but this requires a much larger tank so they each have plenty of space and don’t get in each other’s way – each fish should have 50 gallons. Most stocks that you find in pet stores have come from large fish hatcheries, and they will have used hormonal agents. Regardless if you want to maximize the size of your Chinese Algae Eater or not, you should give them plenty of room (more on that later). Surprisingly, the Chinese Algae Eater is rarely found in China. You can also utilize artificial caves to give your fish places to hide. At the very least, these fish need 30 gallons. Gyrinocheilus aymonieri Common name: Chinese algae-eater Family: Gyrinocheilidae (Algae eaters) Order: Cypriniformes (carps) Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) Max size: 30 cm/ 12 inches Water conditions: pH range: 6.0 - 8.0, temperature 25 - 28°C/ 77-82°F I would like to say a few words about one of the bigger surprises I’ve had as an aquarist. Chinese Algae Eaters have an elongated body with small fins. They don’t need a set diet, as they will feed themselves on algae and scavenge any food their tank mates have not eaten. They get along well with members of their own species, and can be kept in groups of five or more. However, their penchant for eating algae makes them a great choice for those who want to keep their tank clean. Beginners will be able to keep a single fish with few problems since they are hardy and undemanding. You will see a similar behavior in your aquarium. In this article we discuss everything you need to [Continue reading …], Introduction These shrimp are super fun to have in your tank. A darker stripe runs horizontally and is either solid or broken into spots. Unlike many cyprinids, it does not have barbels, but it does have multiple small tubercles or "thorns" around its mouth. The ones to avoid are fish of a similar size, appearance, or lifestyle. If it is in a smaller community aquarium, it will defend its territory. Scientifically, these fish are known as Gyrinocheilus aymonieri. Accompanying the base color is a dark black stripe. For the juveniles a tank of 26 US gallons (100 liters) is quite enough, for adult species a tank of 52 US gallons (200 liter) and more is required, especially if you have a group of fish in the tank. Like any fish, the key to giving your fish an enriching environment is to mimic their natural habitat. Avoid At All Costs-The Chinese Algae Eater. Some common targets for this behavior are discus and angelfish. You can purchase medication from stores that should gradually reduce the problem. All information, content, materials on this site, or obtained from a website to which the site is linked are provided to you “as is” without warranty of any kind either express or implied. In fact, they are likely to fight fellow members of their own species. They go by a few names as well, such as Honey Suckers and Sucking Loache – look out for these names in stores too. They are easy to care for so even beginners can keep them. The Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) is a freshwater fish from the Gyrinocheilidae family. Not only are they prone to aggression, but there are virtually no physical differences between males and females. At the top of the tank, make sure that you have a tight-fitting lid. Chinese algae eaters is an active fish that spends most of its time on the bottom. Many owners don’t even feed them because they get ample nutrients from cleaning up the tank. When you consider the fact that they constantly eat algae in your tank, there’s not much you have to do to keep the fish entertained! Here, you can find out everything you need to know about keeping fish and aquarium maintenance. In their natural habitat, they’ll often feed on insect larvae. Chinese Algae Eaters – scientific name: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri – are also known as honey sucker and sucking loach. Golden Chinese Algae Eater's are an albino variant of the common Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilos aymonieri), which have been selectively bred over the years to increase their availability within the hobby and enhance their coloration. As juveniles Chinese Algae Eaters perform their job of eating algae with gusto but as they mature they may eat algae less and become very territorial. The Chinese Algae Eater is a unique fish that you wouldn’t expect to be a popular choice among aquarists. Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilos aymonieri) These hardy fish do well in community tanks that aren't too small. The fish has been popular in the aquarium trade since it was first exported to Germany in 1956. This can lead to stress and disease for the fish. With their color-changing camouflage tricks, it’s like having a little light show in your aquarium. Chinese Algae Eater Tankmates. 5 Chinese sucker fish. Also, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can pair these fish up. The outlet of your filter should create a sufficient flow of water around your aquarium. Pretty much all of their time is spent searching for food. They will mostly be attached to walls or decorations to feed. Here are some care guidelines you should be wary of. You can cover the bottom with a fine sand substrate. You should consider other food options if you notice that they are not eating algae as much. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a Ecology: The Chinese Algae-eater is found in medium- to large-sized rivers and flooded fields, and in mountain streams with gravel bottoms (Froese and Pauly, 2012). These include temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. They have a relatively muted color and pattern. Chinese Algae Eater care is something that anyone can handle. There are no established breeding methods. Chinese algae eaters colors range from grey to grey green to tan / light brown. This is a parasite that causes white spots to form across their body. You don’t need a ton of experience to keep this species healthy. You will also need a great deal of luck on your side.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_22',125,'0','0'])); This is a simple species to care for. Use the Ask Your Question box, and more people will see it. It’s an against the grain choice that can be very rewarding if you’re a fan of the species. This behavior isn’t them being aggressive (or weird). For some fish, the stripe is broken up into smaller dots. Among them is the Pea Puffer, a small and intelligent little fish which is sure to make a great addition to any tank. Chinese Algae Eater is native to Mainland Southeast Asia. Small, speedy species will easily be able to escape a Chinese Algae Eater, but it will probably ignore them anyway. The Chinese Algae Eater is a freshwater fish that comes with a mixed reputation. The Chinese Algae Eater is kept in an aquarium to control algae growth. Slowly increase it by 3°F a day until you reach 80°F to replicate spawning temperatures at the end of spring. If it has a gold stripe on top of the black stripe it is not a Siamese Algae Eater. Contrary to popular belief, these fish will not stay healthy in a dirty tank. Standard fixtures are more than enough to give them the light they need. The biggest challenge is keeping a pair together. Now that you know all about the Chinese Algae Eater it’s time to decide if they’re a good fit for you. These tubercles are more numerous and pronounced on males in spawning condition. Care tips, average size, aggressive tendencies, food, and tank mates are all in here! As always, many factors can contribute to their overall lifespan. The Chinese Algae Eater naturally inhabits flowing bodies of water that feature boulders, pebbles, gravel, sand, driftwood, and tree roots. Naturally they reach 11 inches long, but they are likely to be nearer 5 inches when kept at home.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',135,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_14',135,'0','1'])); It is best to give them extra space in your tank in case they grow a little larger than expected. WrenFeenix. They sometimes feed on small creatures like maggots. Some home aquarists have been able to get theirs to surpass this size, but those instances are uncommon. Casual hobbyists might do better owning a species with a shorter lifespan. It will allow good oxygenation of the water and will also prevent the accumulation of organic waste. Flower shrimp have animated personalities, show off a little when they’re molting, and are genuinely peaceful additions to most community tanks. This is probably because the extra space keeps them stress free and most closely resembles their natural wild environment.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_23',124,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_24',124,'0','1'])); If you want to try mating them yourself, you will need a group containing males and females. Small gravel works well, too. Plus, some issues could make these fish challenging for some aquarists. Make sure that this is the fish you want before buying – they can live for around 10 years, so are a big commitment! The Siamese Algae Eater Fish is often mistaken for an Otocinclus Catfish, Chinese Algae Eater Fish and Siamese Algae Eater Fish. These fish need plenty of space to keep aggressive behaviors at bay. Only reintroduce them once you are certain that the fish is fully recovered. Some color mutations do exist, but they are rare. There aren’t any species-specific illnesses that you have to worry about with Chinese Algae Eaters. Because of this, the Mekong River, the Srepok River, the Tonlé San River, the Chao Phraya River basin, the Mae Klong River basin, and the Dong Nai River basin are all areas they originally inhabited. Females tend to be fatter and more rounded, whereas males develop a “horn” on their head when mating. Unfortunately, their appetite for algae wanes as they get bigger. Their appearance is similar to other bottom-dwellers, but this species is larger than most. Planning idea: to reproduce a flowing river. If you wish to keep these fish long term it is recommended that they are housed in a species only tank to prevent injuries or loss of other fish. They’re not particularly colorful and tend to be solitary creatures. In fact, they do this to eat the slime coat of the other fish. So how big should your tank size be for a Chinese Algae Eater? Though they will eat vegetation, they probably won’t eat your plants. Whatever you call them, these fish can be a bit of a challenge to care for. They need a well-lit environment, so standard aquarium lighting should be fine. There are lower-maintenance algae eaters you can get after all! Author Note: While you can see success with 30 gallons, we always recommend getting a slightly bigger tank (aim for 50 gallons). Chinese Algae Eaters are natural loners, they are not social and don’t need to be kept in groups. If needed you can use an air/water pump to make the current stronger. Its common names include honey sucker, sucking loach, Chinese algae eater, and Siamese algae eater; the FAO -endorsed common name is Siamese algae eater. What Size Aquarium Do Chinese Algae Eaters Need? Again, maintaining those parameters from earlier is crucial. Robert Woods is the creator of FishKeeping World, a third generation fish keeper and a graduate in animal welfare and behavior. If disease is in your tank, check the water parameters. You can quench their hunger for protein with bloodworms or brine shrimp. One of the biggest mistakes new owners make when caring for Chinese Algae Eaters is not staying on top of water conditions. It is usually kept in aquariums for the purpose of keeping algae under control. The Chinese algae eater, frequently referred to as "CAE" on the forum, is commonly offered for sale in local pet shops but is probably not the best choice for most tanks. Despite its name (Chinese Algae Eater), it is found in the northern Malay Peninsula, Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, Mekong river basins of Cambodia, Yunnan province in China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. These rocks will collect aquarium algae over time. Fix the parameters as quickly as possible to prevent the problem from worsening. on Perfect Pea Puffer: Is This Cute Dwarf Fish Ideal For Your Tank? In fact, they’re one of the most popular…, Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. This isn’t just a cosmetic problem and should be taken seriously. Jul 9, 2020. There are still plenty of possible tank mates. They are mainly found in rivers and lakes that run through Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. This can make it much harder to clean the tank, so some people look for algae-eating fish to clean it for them. While there's some overlap between the high end of goldfish and the low end of Chinese algae eaters' temperature range, it's either hot for goldfish or cold for the algae eaters. Bloat from overfeeding can lead to serious digestive problems if it isn’t addressed. Ich is caused by stress, which is usually a direct result of poor water conditions. The rivers that these Chinese Algae Eaters occupy are quite fast. Not only do they require good water conditions, but their temperament and habits can change as they get older. They are generally hardy fish but an unclean tank will likely lead to disease.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-4','ezslot_20',137,'0','0'])); When cleaning a tank, it’s common to remove all the algae you see because it’s usually seen as a problem. It is easy for algae to get out of hand in an aquarium. The gold variation above is termed the Gold Chinese Algae Eater, but habits and physiology are interchangeable apart … Every fish is different, so make sure that you can keep an eye on your fish. As long as the other fish stay out of the way, it’s possible to make this work. And i found him hideing and he is just staying at the bottom and not doing much sould i be considered and what can i do need some help. To help water reach the gills when their mouth is attached to something, they have specialized organs (two branchial apertures force water across their gills to help with respiration). Because there’s so much confusion out there, we thought it would be a good idea to create this guide to help set the record straight. Throughout this article we will be [Continue reading …], Say hello to one of the most popular breeds of goldfish. They have an irregular dark stripe along their sides and an irregular line of dark spots on the top of their bodies. It tends to thrive between 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. To control Algae growth on plants and some snags in it, you can also be bit! Water column, you should not have any problems the two most breeds. 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