Since Chinese Algae Eaters tend to be omnivorous (more carnivore) as they mature, their diet should be supplemented with meatier food, such as:
- frozen crustaceans and fry,
- live and frozen foods like bloodworms, blackworms,
- vitamin-enriched brine shrimp,
- daphnia.
What should I Feed my Chinese algae eater?
What kind of fish eats the most algae?
- Plecostomus bristlenose (Bristlenose plecos) Most aquariums benefit from the inclusion of bristlenose plecos.
- Siamese Algae Eater Siamese Algae Eater Siamese Algae Eat
- Algae Eater from China.
- Catfish Otocinclus
- Catfish with twigs.
- Snail of Nerite.
- Shrimp with Cherries
- Shrimp Amano
Do Chinese algae eaters actually eat algae good?
The Chinese algae-eater is not from China; it’s from Thailand. Nor is it a good algae-eater, though it will eat some slime algae when young. If not eating algae was the worst of it, it would be no big deal, but it gets worse. Chinese algae-eaters become quite aggressive when they grow.
What is a true Siamese algae eater?
“ Siamese Algae Eater ” is the generic name for a group of closely-related bottom-feeding fish native to Southeast Asia. Wild populations are found in rivers and streams in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, but may also live in flooded areas during the rainy season. Unique populations exist throughout the region.
How big does 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. Some home aquarists have been able to get theirs to surpass this size, but those instances are uncommon.
How often should I feed my Chinese Algae Eater?
Feeding. A well-balanced Chinese algae eater diet consists of: Algae and sinking algae wafers. Supplement with raw zucchini or cucumbers as a treat once or twice a week; raw vegetables should be anchored near the bottom of the aquarium.
Do you have to feed Chinese algae eaters?
Food & Diet Recommendations The interesting thing about Chinese Algae Eaters is that their diets tend to change as they get older. When they are young, these fish have no problem feeding off algae. Many owners don't even feed them because they get ample nutrients from cleaning up the tank.
What is the best food for algae eaters?
While algae eaters subsist mainly on algae and decaying plant matter, in order to be healthy, they require a vegetable supplement to their diet. In addition to offering algae eater food such as spirulina flakes or algae wafers, offer your algae eaters fresh, boiled, or blanched vegetables once in a while.
What do gold Chinese algae eaters eat?
In the wild, Chinese algae eaters feed on algae, which the fish scrape from rocks and plants using their sucker mouths. Although the Chinese algae eater's diet is composed mostly of plants, the fish also eats protein sources such as maggots.
How do I know if my algae eater is getting enough food?
After you provide food for your pleco, watch and see if your pleco gobbles it down. If your pleco immediately begins to munch on the food, they may be overly hungry and need to be fed more often. If your pleco ignores the food, they may need to be fed less often.
How do you tell if a Chinese 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.
How do you feed algae eater cucumbers?
0:1010:03How to feed your fish cucumber! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first of all you're gonna need a cucumber average size doesn't really matter oh you're gonna wantMoreSo first of all you're gonna need a cucumber average size doesn't really matter oh you're gonna want to cut up the grab your knife and cut up the thickest side to about that big.
Will 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.
Do Chinese algae eaters eat shrimp?
The shrimp do a great job cleaning the substrate and the plants, but they just can't clean glass the way a sucker-mouth fish can. is a color morph of the Chinese Algae-eater, Gyrinocheilus aymonieri. They reach a length of up to 10 inch and they eat baby-shrimps.
What do algae eaters eat when there is no algae?
Algae eaters move along the sides and bottom of the aquarium scraping off algae with their sucker mouths. They can also feed on commercial pelleted food. Choose spirulina pellets or algae discs of the appropriate size.
Do algae eaters keep tank clean?
Algae eaters (also known as a clean up crew) are an integral part of the aquarium hobby, due to their ability to manage and help keep your tank's ecosystem balanced. And an effective algae eater won't just keep algae under control.
How do you feed algae eater cucumbers?
0:1010:03How to feed your fish cucumber! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first of all you're gonna need a cucumber average size doesn't really matter oh you're gonna wantMoreSo first of all you're gonna need a cucumber average size doesn't really matter oh you're gonna want to cut up the grab your knife and cut up the thickest side to about that big.
Can algae eaters live alone?
Remember that algae eaters cannot survive on algae alone. Be sure to supplement their diets with commercial food so they can live long lives contributing to the health and ambiance of your aquarium.
How to make Chinese algae eaters feel comfortable?
The best way to make Chinese Algae Eater feel lively and comfortable is to mimic their natural habitat. You can place large smooth rocks on the substrate, in addition to artificial caves, driftwood, PVC pipes, and twisted roots, these will give them a place to hide or explore. They are very timid fish.
Why are Chinese algae eaters so popular?
They are loved by most aquarists because of their effective role in cleaning up the tank and keeping it algae-free. Although this is a job they do best at a juvenile stage, their dietary preference alters in favor of meatier and live foods as they mature. Keep reading for everything there is to know about the Chinese Algae Eater, ...
What is the name of the algae eater?
This species belongs to the genus Gyrinocheilus, and includes other species: Spotted Algae Eater Gyrinocheilus pennocki and Borneo Algae Eater Gyrinocheilus pustulosis unlike Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, they are rarely seen in the aquarium trade.
How long does it take for a Chinese algae eater fry to hatch?
The incubation period is pretty short, it takes only one day. However, the percentage of healthy eggs is extremely small due to the susceptibility of eggs to fungal diseases. Whitened eggs should be removed at once. The Chinese Algae Eater fry are not aggressive to each other.
How long do Chinese algae eaters live?
Under proper care and good water condition, the Chinese Algae Eater can live up to 10 years. The species is characterized by the presence of an elongated body, yellow eyes with a black ball, and an interior sucker mouth which they use to anchor to surfaces and scrape algae.
When was the Chinese algae eater first described?
The Chinese Algae Eater, Gyrinocheilus aymonieri was first described by Tirant in 1883. It was named after the French linguist and explorer, Étienne François Aymonier. Chinese Algae Eater was first exported to Germany in 1956 for the aquarium trade, prior to that, they were used as a food fish in the native countries.
Where is the Chinese algae eater?
Chinese Algae Eater is native to Mainland Southeast Asia. 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. They inhabit waterbodies like lakes, rivers, streams, and flooded fields.
Overview
- Scientific name: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri Chinese algae eaters are well-known for their ability to consume large amounts of algae as juveniles, but many people do not realize that their dietary requirements change as they age. As adults, Chinese algae eaters prefer more protein in their diet. Native to the Chao Phraya basin and rivers throughout Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, they are so…
Typical Appearance and Behavior
- Chinese algae eaters appear as light brown with a solid or dotted black strip along their body or gold in color
- They are long, slender fish with a large suction cup style mouth they use to attach to the glass, rocks and décor
Habitat
- Habitat size
Keep in an appropriately sized aquarium, which can range from 10 gallons for juvenile Chinese algae eaters to a much larger aquarium for an adult. - Building your habitat
1. Water health - Provide proper filtration to ensure optimal water quality to help maintain health. Moderate to turbulent water circulation should be provided to mimic water currents and high oxygen levels found in a Chinese algae eater’s natural habitat. Stable water quality(pH, ammonia…
Feeding
- A well-balanced Chinese algae eater diet consists of: 1. Algae and sinking algae wafers 2. Supplement with raw zucchini or cucumbers as a treat once or twice a week; raw vegetables should be anchored near the bottom of the aquarium 3. Adults will benefit from sinking pellets, frozen and freeze-dried brine and mysis shrimp and bloodworms Things to r...
Chinese Algae Eater Care
- Water care: Maintaining great water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration is important to help keep your Chinese algae eater healthy
- Avoid overcrowded conditions; they are a major cause of stress and disease
Where to Buy
- Chinese algae eaters are available for purchase at your local Petco location;availability varies by location. Please call ahead to check availability.
Supplies
Tank Mates
- May be compatible with community fish such as: 1. Platys 2. Mollies 3. Swordtails 4. Gouramis 5. Angelfish 6. Barbs 7. Danios 8. Larger tetras 9. Rainbowfish Keep only one Chinese algae eater per tank
Health
- Signs of a healthy Chinese algae eater
1. Clear eyes 2. Eats vigorously 3. Attaches to the side of the aquarium or décor or moves along the bottom of the aquarium 4. Bright, even coloring 5. Free of parasites or disease - Red flags
1. Loss of color 2. Cloudy eyes or pop-eye 3. Labored breathing 4. Frayed fins or discolored fins 5. Weight loss 6. Bloating 7. Loss of appetite 8. Erratic swimming 9. Spots or fungus on body or mouth 10. Listlessness 11. Elevated scales
FAQs
- What do algae eaters eat?As juveniles, Chinese algae eaters will primarily eat algae. As they age, they will also crave protein-based foods such as sinking pellets, frozen or freeze-dried brine shr...
- How big do Chinese algae eaters get?Chinese algae eaters can reach an adult size of 11 inches.
- What do algae eaters eat?As juveniles, Chinese algae eaters will primarily eat algae. As they age, they will also crave protein-based foods such as sinking pellets, frozen or freeze-dried brine shr...
- How big do Chinese algae eaters get?Chinese algae eaters can reach an adult size of 11 inches.
- How many Chinese algae eaters per tank?Chinese algae eaters are semi-aggressive and will fight with one another; it is best to only have one per aquarium.
- How fast do Chinese algae eaters grow?The growth rate of the Chinese algae eater will vary by individual, depending on the amount of algae and supplemental nutrition being provided.
