SAE or Fake?

[Leopardess]

Don't know specifically. I've heard some people say their always eats algae...but most say that once they are mature, they stop. I can't tell you more than that...But considering they usually get to be 5-6", even 2" would probably be juvenile in stature.

Like I said though, if it eats the algea you want it to, there's no reason to get rid of them as of now.

 

[Nutfarm]

I agree with Leopardess. Until the fish becomes a problem, keep it in the tank and let it do its job. When/If it does become a problem, bag it back up and take it back for some store credit.

 

[Bruckm]

I thought the algae-eating was the case with "Chinese" algae-eaters and common pl*cos. Once THEY mature their algae eating virtually disappeared. I don't remember any references with false SAEs in the same vein. I'll try to get more pictures. The tanks they're in now have a dark substrate so the old neon-green which threw off the contrast/brightness.

I was wanting to make my decision in order to be able to return them to the store soon, if necessary. Once the fall hits I won't get many chances to get down there when they're open. Again, it just wasn't a smart buy as I got all giddy upon seeing them and knowing I had tank space available. The salesman wasn't bad, in fact his lukewarm support should have ended it right there.

If they get aggressive I guess I can put them in a tank with the rapidly growing cousins of Godzilla,the monster shrimp. Let the two species fight it out to the death. That'll settle it. If they don't get aggressive then there's not really a problem.

 

[Bruckm]

Ok here's the latest pictures. Do any of these change the diagnosis?

 

[Bruckm]

Follow up question.

Are SAEs omniverous or herbivorous?

I'm treating what seems to be a never-ending disease outbreak with internal parasite food and garlic soaked shrimp pellets. My SAEs are Johnny on the spot when those shrimp pellets hit the water. I've also seen them eat some frozen worms when they have been dropped in.

BTW, seems like the ICH outbreak has finally been defeated after 3 weeklong treatments and 50% $$ than was spent on a 55G stand.

The fish are still not right though and I have seen the tell-tale white stringy poop. I tried pretty much going with the all-garlic all of the time remedy and still white stringy poop. Hopefully this medicine/food will do the trick.

 

[Lotus]

Sorry to hear about the disease outbreaks

I have seen my SAEs eat flake and bloodworms, so I assume they're omnivorous.

 

[Avalon]

I do believe that what you have is the real deal. False SAE's have very different mouth features--they are far more blunt than the true SAE's. Yours looks a little hungry Sometimes their proper coloration will come out after they've been taken out of the LFS's prisons and have had a chance to eat some good grub.

 

[Bruckm]

Originally posted by Lotus
Sorry to hear about the disease outbreaks

Thanks Lotus.

It's been a major downer. I ended up spending SO much $$ because of the scaleless fish that it's soured me some. The bloom is off of the rose now.

My next excitement will come from seeing solid, colorful poop. Yeah, buddy this hobby is addicting! Woohoo