It’s an against the grain choice that can be very rewarding if you’re a fan of the species. They are native to the Chao Phraya basin and can be found living in rivers throughout Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. Your type of substrate matters, however. Earlier SAE was considered to belong to Epalzeorhynchus genus according to scientific classification. Place large rocks in the sand. Thailand and Malayan peninsula are SАЕ habitats. At least a 55 gallon I hope. When they’re young, a 30-gallon tank will do, but some people are surprised to learn that a single Chinese algae eater needs at least a 50-gallon tank when full-grown, even at five inches. Ideally they should be provided shaded areas within the aquarium, as they tend to like to avoid the bright aquarium lights at times. Some aquarists think they’re very aggressive, others believe they only eat algae, and a few mistake them for another species entirely! Chinese Algae Eaters are semi-aggressive fish. If the tank is too small than you will have problems like this. Nevertheless, you need to set them up with a great habitat and stay on top of water quality to stave off stress or disease. It is important to provide extra space in case the fish grows longer than expected. 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. Author Note: A lot of aquarists forget about water flow. The Gold Algae Eater is an ornate color variety of the familiar Chinese Algae Eater. Whatever you call them, these fish can be a bit of a challenge to care for. Chinese Algae Eater. They are native to the Chao Phraya basin and can be found living in rivers throughout Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. As they are bottom dwellers thus focusing on the increasing the width of the tank. This stripe runs horizontally across the entire length of the fish. As long as the other fish stay out of the way, it’s possible to make this work. The Golden Algae Eater is a yellow/golden coloured fish from the Chinese Algae Eater family (Gyrinocheilos aymonieri). This fish can grow up to 25.4-27.9cm (10-11") long, and its eventual size needs to be taken into account when choosing a tank. Golden algae eater with guppies? They’re not particularly showy or active and prefer to hide instead. This means the water parameters need to be maintained and monitored consistently to ensure that no harmful shifts occur. Some color mutations do exist, but they are rare. One of the biggest mistakes new owners make when caring for Chinese Algae Eaters is not staying on top of water conditions. There aren’t any species-specific illnesses that you have to worry about with Chinese Algae Eaters. They’re found in tanks…, The 15 Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish, Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates…, Indian Almond Leaves: Benefits For Your Aquarium, The 35 Best Low Light Aquarium Plants (Must-See), 35 Peaceful Community Fish For Your Tank (Updated List), Malaysian Trumpet Snail 101: Detailed Info & Care Tips. If you’re looking for something a little bit more special to add to your aquarium tank, the Golden Mystery Snail in a vibrant and effective option that you’re going to love. Unfortunately, their appetite for algae wanes as they get bigger. 10 Malaysian Trumpet Snails Algae Eaters. Chinese Algae Eater. Algae based wafers should be provided if there is a lack of algae. With each additional fish increase the tank space by 10 gallons. Golden Algae Eater $ 2.00 – $ 28.00. This gorgeous golden yellow specimen adds a bright splash of color while providing the valuable service of cleaning your aquarium. Its common names include honey sucker, sucking loach, Chinese algae eater, and Siamese algae eater; the FAO-endorsed common name is Siamese algae eater… Fish Facts. Scientifically, these fish are known as Gyrinocheilus aymonieri. 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! It has an under slung mouth but unlike many cyprinids, it does not have barbels. They’re not particularly colorful and tend to be solitary creatures. As for filtration, high-powered equipment is essential. Author Note: When experimenting with feeding it’s important to make sure that you’re not compromising the water quality. That’s why many aquarists prefer to add a Chinese algae eater to their tank, hoping it will help keep algae growth under control. These tanks should be at least 20-gallons in size, but they’re best if at least 30-gallons in size and at least 36-inches in length. Plus, some issues could make these fish challenging for some aquarists. They like a lot of light. In fact, these fish are quite hardy and can do well in various conditions. Now, it belongs to Crossocheilus genus, but the fish itself is important, not its name. Direct the outlet towards the side of the tank to keep the water circulating at all times. 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. The Golden Chinese Algae Eater has been a popular aquarium fish for a long time, as they have been kept in tropical community aquariums for some time. Standard fixtures are more than enough to give them the light they need. Some home aquarists have been able to get theirs to surpass this size, but those instances are uncommon. Due to their energetic nature, they can cover pretty much space in a short time. Chinese Algae Eaters are found in rivers throughout Asia. What size tank are we talking about? Click or tap the images below to view full size images, then click or tap off the image to shrink again. Range: Asia. Chinese Algae Eaters will then latch onto the smooth surface of the rocks to clean them. If I dose the tank with copper, will this get rid of the parasites? Perhaps the most noteworthy physical feature of the Chinese Algae Eater is their mouth. There are no established breeding methods. We look forward to hearing from you! This is a common tactic used for many fish species. Aglae Eaters are excellent glass cleaners when young. They have a small dorsal fin with several firm rays, giving it a somewhat spiky appearance. The plecostamus or "pleco," is a prehistoric-looking algae eater available in three varieties, for three different tank sizes and and setups. The fish dwells in fast flowing streams and river tributaries with rocky bottom that contains field stones, pebbles, gravel and sand. Name: Gold Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilos aymonieri) Family: Gyrinocheilidae. Many algae eaters are bottom dwellers and prefer soft substrates like sand and fine gravel to the jagged and injury-causing pea-sized aquarium gravels. This fish is the only known fish genus that can eat coarse algae and it will be a good helper for you to deal with black beard algae (BBA) in a tank. They can experience common conditions that affect all freshwater fish, such as Ich. and like jonathur stated this fish don't really eat algae when mature and can also turn quite aggressive. You should consider other food options if you notice that they are not eating algae as much. Invest in a lid that latches closed to prevent any unwanted surprises. Click here . Some common targets for this behavior are discus and angelfish. It’s also a good idea to perform water changes regularly to avoid stress. How to successfully keep Golden Chinese Algae Eater in the home aquarium. Identification [edit | edit source] This fish is golden in colour with a dark band running along its body and a series of dark spots alongside and a light coloured underside. Nowadays species caught in the wild are not exported, all chinese algae eaters you see on sale were bred in fish hatcheries. However, their penchant for eating algae makes them a great choice for those who want to keep their tank clean. Besides these little fluffy finned beauties being super active and fun to look at, these little guys do a pretty good job of scrubbing the walls, broad leafy plants and decor of your tank. If you have any questions or suggestions on how we can improve this guide feel free to send them our way. This fish can grow up to 25.4-27.9cm (10-11") long, and its eventual size needs to be taken into account when choosing a tank. 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. They are excellent for planted aquariums as they can eat algae growing on live plants without damaging the plant itself. 2,147 2.1K. Also, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can pair these fish up. But there are a few things to consider before adding one of these little fish to your tank, including the fact that their name is a little deceiving. If kept in groups, a single specimen will generally become dominant over the others and attain a much larger size then the other Golden Chinese Algae Eaters kept in the same tank. Creating the Landscape You’ll want to set up the tank with substrate combinations of pebbles and larger stones – resembling small boulders – and some driftwood, as the algae eaters love to live in roots and wood. You can cover the bottom with a fine sand substrate. One of the most frustrating things to manage in an aquarium is algae growth. Algae is usually Chinese Algae Eater care is something that anyone can handle. Gyrinocheilus aymonieri is a freshwater fish native to large parts of Southeast Asia. Despite the fish name, it doesn’t inhabit in China. Here are some possible tank mates for Chinese Algae Eater: Author Note: Some owners think it would be interesting to pair them with other algae-eaters like the Amano shrimp for the sake of complete tank cleanliness. They are thought to be originally found in Northern India but are more commonly farm raised in Thailand. Algae eater, Sucking loach, Chinese algae eater, Indian algae eater: Scientific name: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri: Synonyms: (none) Size: Up to 10" (25cm), but usually around 6" (15cm). Despite their name, these fish are most commonly found outside of China. Will it possibly endanger my guppy fry? The truth is that they’re highly specialized catfish, living out their lives in swift streams where their sucker mouth is a necessity to avoid being displaced. Description: Golden Algae Eaters tend to have an slender body and a disc-shaped mouth, which enables them to … It is normally kept in aquariums for the reason of controlling algae. This makes them a fish that’s better suited for aquarists who are interested in making a reasonable commitment. These fish can get pretty big, and a larger tank will help them reach their full potential while ensuring there’s plenty of algae to feed on. A 10 gallon tank is suitable for for a small group (4-6) of Otocinclus. Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. The species in this genus are commonly called "algae eaters." If you’re thinking about breeding Chinese Algae Eaters, be prepared for some trial and error. Not only do they require good water conditions, but their temperament and habits can change as they get older. The fish inhabits in mountain streams and lakes that flow over large part of Thailand and some areas of Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam as well as in Borneo. The mouth is used to create a small vacuum against smooth surfaces. However, they do not have barbels or spines, some characteristics common of catfish … Darwin algae-eater shrimps in addition to fishes and shrimps are gaining popularity as it adds balance to the ecosystem in the aquascape. Contrary to popular belief, these fish will not stay healthy in a dirty tank. If enough naturally occurring algae is not present within the aquarium, Golden Chinese Algae Eater's can also be fed sinking algae wafers and pellets. When she's not writing about fish you can find her hiking, swimming, and doing yoga. Size and Appearance of SAEs Your Siamese algae eater’s size should be between 5 and 6-inches in length when fully grown. With that said, some owners have been able to pull off pairing them with peaceful fish that occupy the upper portions of the tank. These rivers are on the warmer side and have tons of places for the fish to hide in. Published June 18, 2019 Author: Mike - FishLore Admin Social Media:. Food & Diet Accompanying the base color is a dark black stripe. Sometimes in captivity, they can be a lot smaller (usually around 6 inches) if you place them in the minimum recommended tank size. An adult Siamese algae eater requires at least 20 gallons of space. Golden Chinese Algae Eater's can reach upwards of 10" when fully grown and can swim very quickly in short burst, thus they should be housed in aquariums of 30 gallons or more to give them the room they need. By Nikkykei, 4 years ago on General Freshwater Questions. Otocinclus Tank Size Requirements. Gyrinocheilus is the single genus in the family Gyrinocheilidae, a family of small Southeast Asian cypriniform fishes that live in fast-flowing freshwater mountain streams. However, due to the aggressive nature of Chinese Algae Eaters this isn’t a good idea. Brief Summary. Chinese algae eater care: Size, Life span, tank mate; all Questions well explained. There are lower-maintenance algae eaters you can get after all! You may also want to try feeding your fish a nutrient-rich diet of live or frozen food. Their unique swimming style combined with their ability to perch on rocks, plants, driftwood, etc. It is usually kept in tanks for the purpose of keeping algae under control. a siamese algae golden algae eater color is a nice contrast against the plants.. a golden algae eater. For the most part, they’ll just spend their time alone at the bottom of the tank. Learn more. Many people often buy this fish and house them in small aquaria due to its size when being purchased, however it will grow to a decent size and if housed in groups they take more space than is often considered. The Chinese Algae Eater belongs to the family Cyprinidae, which is commonly known as the Carp family. That number is assuming you only have one Chinese Algae Eater in your aquarium. They are a suckermouth catfish that predominantly live off of algae & algae wafers. Your tank size should be of a minimum of 50 gallons. Cautious Community It’s very likely that they’ll attack each other. In terms of shape, the fish have long slender bodies and very small fins. It can range up to 11 in (28 cm) in length and has a reputation for becoming increasingly territorial as it matures, and can also be aggressive to other fish, especially slow, flat-bodied species. Bloat from overfeeding can lead to serious digestive problems if it isn’t addressed. Golden Chinese Algae Eater native habitat, distribution, behavior & aquarium compatibility. Aquariums housing Golden Chinese Algae Eater's should have plenty of rocks, driftwood and plants for the fish to graze on for algae. Published June 18, 2019 Author: Mike - FishLore Admin Social Media:. Due to their potential for aggressive behavior and limited tank mate options, a lot of aquarists pass. In their natural habitat, they’ll often feed on insect larvae. Often these are areas with flooded trees and their roots… Minimum Tank Size 30 gallons What do these Quick Stats mean? Ideal tank mates include: South American Cichlids of similar size, Rainbowfish, Larger Barbs, Danios, Gouramis, Mollies, Swordtails, Plecos and Scavenger Catfish. Chinese Algae Eater comes from Asia and has a slim body and its colour is golden to brown. Size: Up to 12 inches However, sharp pieces of gravel can injure the fish as they swim. But, that doesn’t mean that your fish are immune to health problems. Those that have successfully bred these fish often do so by accident. It can be a good fish in the right set-up. Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons Temperament: Semi-aggressive Aquarium Hardiness: Easy Water Conditions: 74-79°F; pH 6.8-74; dH 8-10 Max. It’s important to understand why your tank is affected by algae. However, we know a decent number of people who own these fish and absolutely love it. Even when they chase other sucker mouth fish, they are not overly aggressive and typically only squabble with each other or similar fish species over territory. Either way, black coloration is present in almost all specimens. The species of Siamese Algae Eaters may come in varying colors of grey, gold, silver, and black-white. Chinese Algae Eaters tend to attack fish that are close in color and size. You have 3 different types of bottom feeders in a tank, they are all competing for a territory in a tank that I would guess is much too small. These little marine animals come in handy in cleaning the fish tank as it gets rid of what is not a necessary addition to the fish tank, the algae. A gear band runs horizontally and is either stiff or split into spots. Appearance, Size, and Lifespan. Unfortunately, it can injure the other fish and lead to parasitic infections. Identification [edit | edit source] This fish is golden in colour with a dark band running along its body and a series of dark spots alongside and a light coloured underside. The first rule to follow is to avoid overcrowding the tank. Hobbyist's initially purchase the Golden 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. Sometimes they’ve mistaken for the Siamese Algae Eater, but you can tell the difference when you pay attention to the details. The Chinese algae eaters (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) are slim and long freshwater fish.. They have a long slender body that can reach up to 6 inches (15.24 cm) in length if fed and cared for properly. The Hillstream loach is a fun algae eater to have as a part of your goldfish tank. It can handle different water conditions, but … If you’re looking for affordable quantity with the snails you buy, perhaps because you want to liven up your aquarium, or you just have a larger tank with more surface area to cover, this is perhaps the best selection of snails you should be looking at. Small gravel works well, too. 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. For some fish, the stripe is broken up into smaller dots. This makes it difficult to sex the fish for breeding. Like any fish, the key to giving your fish an enriching environment is to mimic their natural habitat. They hold on to fixed objects using a sucker-like mouth, and, despite the name, feed on a wide range of detritus, rather than simply on algae. Overview. All the websites state minimum tank size 55 gallon for these. 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. My golden algae eater seems to go through mood swings. While this is a breeding adaptation seen in many fish species, little is known about this species breeding requirements and habits. Typically, the fish’s belly is lighter. And, they usually get a bit bigger than most of the freshwater tropical fish species that you can keep in tanks. Tank Requirements. Not only are they prone to aggression, but there are virtually no physical differences between males and females. This will help you treat the cause as well as the symptom. It is easy for algae to get out of hand in an aquarium. They range in appearance from a light tan / yellow color, to a deeper goldish / yellow coloration depending on aquarium conditions, lighting and food sources. This provides the Golden Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilos aymonieri) with a variety of food sources which when combined with vegetable based sinking wafers provide a diverse and healthy diet that will bring out the fish's best colors. Some of the biggest are water conditions and diet. But they not-so-mysteriously disappeared. While this is a breeding adaptation seen in many fish species, little is known about this species breeding requirements and habits. The minimum tank size for housing Chinese Algae Eater is 30 gallons (120 L). As we mentioned earlier, Chinese Algae Eaters don’t have the vibrant looks of other fish. 637.2 KB Views: 81. image.jpg. These fish have a large mouth and sizable lips. You want to aim for overall clean water, with some controlled algae so these fish can snack throughout the day. It’s difficult for novices to identify the exact species or gender until they are fully mature at 3 to 4 years of age. The state the fish was in when you purchased them matters a lot too. Chinese Algae Eater Care Guide: Size, Tank Mates and More… September 30, 2019 Robert Freshwater Fish 0. If kept in groups, a single specimen will generally become dominant over the others and attain a much larger size then the other Golden Chinese Algae Eaters kept in the same tank. Chinese Algae Eaters are also prone to bloat. Im reading up on these guys as my hubby has 2 in his community tank and we are starting to see some scale damage on one of our barbs so presuming the algae eater is getting at it when it sleeps. It's best to keep siamese algae eaters either in groups of 5 or more or on its own. Siamese algae eater lives in fast streams and rivers with rocky bottom, that consists of field stones, gravel and sand with large num… The minimum Otocinclus tank size should be around 10 gallons. The Golden Algae Eater is a yellow/golden coloured fish from the Chinese Algae Eater family (Gyrinocheilos aymonieri). How to properly feed Golden Chinese Algae Eater and provide a healthy diet.