Japanese Algae Eaters

[d3sc3n7]

I just picked up 2 of these guys for my wife. She really liked them, so I picked 'em up. Does anyone have any experience with them? Any knowledge?

-Jay

 

[sweetpickles7]

If im thinking of the right one they get really big and really mean. ill have to check that.

 

[d3sc3n7]

They are really small, but I will try to get pictures for you. If they are going to get very large/mean I'll make sure to get rid of them before its to late.

-Jay

 

[Fuzz16]

they get big and as they get bigger they start pickin on other fish pretty bad

 

[d3sc3n7]

Well, if thats the case...I guess they will turn into store credit!!

-Jay

 

[Kissyboots]

I have a Chinese algae eater and he is still only about 1 1/2 inches. He kind of nips at other fish, but he doesn't kill them. Check the thread "Algea eater strange behavior" in freshwater general discussion. Might help.

 

[d3sc3n7]

Thanks boots. I just lost my pleco in their tank, so at least now they have more to do. I don't think it was due to the little guys though. He went head first into the powerhead the other day, so I'm pretty sure thats what happened to him.

-Jay

 

[SAE]

Here's a good article on the differences between Siamese and Chinese Algae Eaters with identifying drawings Algae Eating Cyprinids

They are very different fish. IME Chinese AE are better kept solitary, and can be grumpy as they age. SAE are best in groups, and although may bicker amongst themselves leave the other fish alone. I have 3 which school with a similar barb sp, but only give the occasional nip to each other.

Again, this is just my experience, I've heard about adult SAE picking on other fish, but in those cases they've been kept as a single and haven't had a school to spread out any aggression.